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how to use the word imperative when referring to plural and not singular? the above mentioned issues are imperative to the growth of the economy or the above mentioned issues are imperatives to the growth of the economy

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  • Use "imperative" not "imperatives." It doesn't matter that "issues" is plural. As Edwin says below, "imperative" is an adjective. If you add the S to the end of the word "imperative," then the word is a plural noun, which is actually grammatically correct but changes the meaning of the sentence.
    – William Bloom
    Commented Aug 17, 2015 at 10:28

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The adjectival usage of 'imperative' is probably more common than the count noun usage. This is what is being used in

It is imperative that we destroy the bridge.

It is imperative to the Allied advance.

It is imperative to destroy it.

Compare

It is important to her.

It is essential to have air cover.

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    Given OP specifically mentions singular/plural, I think we should assume he's asking about the noun usage, in which case plural issues are requires plural imperatives. Personally, I'd prefer the preposition imperatives for rather than to before the [desired] outcome, but both are in common use.
    – FumbleFingers
    Commented Aug 17, 2015 at 17:02

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