The chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce has called on Scottish firms to “dig deep” and embrace change in the next decade of a shifting business climate.
Dr Liz Cameron said Brexit would mean there was an urgent need to look for new export markets.
She said the Scottish Government would have a big part to play in supporting the economy.
In her New Year message, she said: “We have certainly come through a bruising 12 months, which topped the years of uncertainty that followed in the wake of UK’s slow lurch towards the exit door of the European Union.
“During this time, Scottish businesses have been battered and are crying out for some much-needed consistency and regularity.
“Businesses in Scotland will need to dig deep to embrace the upheavals the coming era brings.
“Thanks to Brexit, these include an urgent need to internationalise and target new markets for sales and growth.
“Business and government now must work more closely together than ever as the rules of global trade are being re-written.
“Business needs to be at the table while they are.”
Ms Cameron said the Scottish Government would play a vital role with its policies on rates and infrastructure investments.
She said: “There is a quietly growing perception that business needs to be taxed or even punished for growing and creating jobs, which is driving policies that make business investment more challenging.
“Maintaining and honing competitive edge will be essential if Scottish employers are to compete globally and tackle the challenges we all face.
“2020 must be the year when both governments refocus and balance their energy, expertise and support to domestic priorities.
“We urgently need an environment where we can grow and compete.”
Ms Cameron said other challenges facing businesses in the next 10 years were technological change, climate change and skills training.