Changes to the planning system, including local five-year development plans and online applications, are to be unveiled by the finance secretary.
John Swinney is to tell a summit on Tuesday that the government will also take a more "proportionate" approach to calling applications in for scrutiny.
He said the measures were crucial for supporting economic development in light of challenging global conditions.
The government is holding the event to discuss implementation of the measures.
It will bring together groups involved in planning, including developers and local authorities.
Mr Swinney said: "Scotland's planning system should help, not hinder, all our efforts to increase sustainable economic growth, something which is especially important in the current climate."
"We are taking action now to cut red tape and deliver important changes to Scotland's planning system"
The new approach for calling in applications aims to give local councils more responsibility over planning decisions.
And it is hoped that local authorities' development plans will give applicants greater certainty over which types of development are suitable.
The online application forms are to be formally launched by the Scottish Government in spring 2009.
Mr Swinney added: "Scotland's businesses are the primary drivers of economic growth, both locally and nationally, and they rightly want to see a planning and development regime which is joined up, combining greater certainty and speed of decision making.
"That is why we are taking action now to cut red tape and deliver important changes to Scotland's planning system."
He said the government had worked on the reforms with council representatives, Cosla and other agencies.
'In depth response'
David Thorburn, chairman of CBI Scotland, said he was encouraged by the speed and depth of the Scottish Government's response.
"In the current economic conditions now, more than ever, we need business, government and public bodies to do all that they possibly can to invest in Scotland's infrastructure and economy.
"Improving the efficiency of our planning system is central to that, and we warmly welcome this commitment to a comprehensive plan for change."
Cosla spokeswoman Alison Hay said: "I hope this will be seen by all as the next stage in building a planning system, where communities get the good quality development that they need and want, friendly to the environment and something that future generations can be proud of."
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