Scottish Enterprise (SEn) was established as an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) as a result of the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act of 1990. Together with the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) - Iomairt na Gaidhealtachd, Scottish Enterprise and its local enterprise companies work to deliver economic development across Scotland. SEn's prime role is to take all possible and appropriate operational action to meet the agreed strategic objectives of Smart, Successful Scotland, (the Scottish Executive's Strategy document resulting from the Enterprise Networks Review in 2000).

As an NDPB, Scottish Enterprise is supervised by a Chairman and Board whose non-executive directors have collective responsibility for the control and management of the body. The Chairmen and non-executive directors are appointed by Scottish Ministers.

SEn operates through a network of 12 Local Enterprise Companies (LECs). The LECs are companies limited by guarantee, wholly owned by SEn, with independent boards of directors, including representatives of private businesses in their areas, and members from each of the Local Authorities in the LEC area.

SEn's principal functions include: furthering the development of Scotland’s economy and in that connection providing, maintaining and safeguarding employment; enhancing skills and capacities relevant to employment in Scotland and assisting persons to establish themselves as self-employed persons there; promoting Scotland’s industrial efficiency and international competitiveness; and furthering improvement of the environment of Scotland.

SEn's activities include responsibility for supporting and developing intiatives for the Creative industries sector. This is managed nationally by a Creative Industries Team with a Creative Industries manager in each LEC delivering local provision.