AN updated blueprint for the future economic success of the North-East was unveiled yesterday.

Thousands of people and businesses were given the opportunity to contribute to the document which will stand as a revised regional economic strategy.

The document, backed by £635m of One NorthEast cash, laid out six key objectives:

* Creating wealth by raising the productivity of all businesses

* Establishing a new entrepreneurial culture

* Creating a healthy labour market supported by a skilled workforce

* Recognising universities and colleges are at the heart of the economy

* Meeting 21st Century transport, communication and property needs

* The renaissance of rural and urban communities

The strategy, launched at the Baltic Arts Centre in Gateshead, recognises the problems faced by the region on an economic front.

The North-East has less than 60 per cent of the national average of businesses per head of population.

The document added: "There is too little research and development, with our business sectors investing only half of the UK average. Too few highly-skilled people are available to drive forward innovation and growth."

Dr John Bridge, One NorthEast chairman, said: "We have listened closely to what people and businesses have told us, to sharpen the focus of the strategy which provides the framework for action to change the North-East for the better.

"The North-East has the talent and we believe this document can help unlock it - each and every person and business can play their part in driving our region forward towards our goal of becoming a world-leading economy."

The strategy - entitled Realising Our Potential - focuses upon themes such as the need to radically boost the skills of workers to fill the new high-tech jobs of tomorrow and recognises the huge groundswell of support for the Newcastle-Gateshead 2008 Capital of Culture bid as part of a more culturally aware North-East.

Major changes that have taken place in the North-East since the document was first published four years ago include leadership on skills issues, tourism, business development, scientific centres of excellence.

The blueprint updates an original strategy published in 1999. It reflects changes that have taken place since then.