Scottish further and higher education institutions have welcomed the enterprise strategy unveiled by Wendy Alexander, Scottish minister for enterprise and lifelong learning.
Ms Alexander said networks had to change, not because they had failed, but because the Scottish and international economies had altered radically over the past two decades.
Further and higher education are expected to play a key role in the three-pronged strategy to support growing business, ensure Scotland is globally connected, and raise employment.
Universities and colleges, learndirect scotland (the Scottish University for Industry), and training providers are expected to liaise with the chief executives and chairmen of the enterprise networks and Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Councils.
Ms Alexander said: "In today's world, a strong economy and a strong society are two sides of the same coin. Full employment is within our grasp, if we can raise the skills and capabilities of all Scots.
"The digital revolution is changing how we work, communicate and live. It must also change how networks deliver their services."
David Caldwell, director of Universities Scotland, said close links between higher education and the enterprise networks were vital.
He particularly welcomed the strategy's highlighting of the importance of learning, and developing an enterprise and education partnership.
"We believe that higher education is a powerful engine for economic growth and economic success, both because it provides industry and commerce with the well-educated and highly skilled personnel it needs, and by undertaking high-quality basic and applied research that facilitates economic growth and innovation," he said.
Sarah Chisnall of the Association of Scottish Colleges said colleges would be strategic economic development partners within the network as well as Scotland's main lifelong learning providers.
"The ASC has for some time called for greater priority to be given to the importance of skills and learning, and this document places them at the heart of the executive's agenda," she said.
"Scotland's colleges are already active in providing the right skills and learning opportunities for tomorrow's jobs, e-business and the knowledge economy," said Ms Chisnall.