EDAS was formed in September 1999 by a small number of founder Board Members including Jean Hamilton, Brian Patterson and Anne Brooks.

EDAS was formed to provide a range of supports and services to those with an interest in economic development in Scotland. Prompted by new policies within the Institution of Economic Development, which restricted membership to only those who had a postgraduate diploma in Economic Development or equivalent, EDAS was established to be more inclusive

A company limited by guarantee with charitable status, EDAS has grown steadily from its formation until it is now established as the premier association in Scotland with over 3,300 members and offers a strong suite of services to its members and others in the profession.