Scottish Enterprise is the main national economic development agency of Scotland, the other being Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) carries out similar functions of economic development in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. It was established, and its general aims and objectives set out, under the terms of the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990. That act merged the former Scottish Development Agency (SDA), which was set up in 1975, and the Scottish Training Agency (STA) to form one integrated body.

Scottish Enterprise started operations on April 1, 1991 and is a sponsored Non-Departmental Public Body (or 'quango') of the Scottish Executive Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department.