Scotland in 2050

First Minister John Swinney has launched new analysis on the trends that could shape the future of Scotland in the next 10 to 20 years, saying that Scotland must “take charge of our own destiny” as an independent country to shape our own future.

'Future Trends for Scotland’ sets out the plausible opportunities and challenges facing Scotland, and could inform Scottish Government policy and the work of our partners in Scotland.

The reports show Scotland can make the most of opportunities including new energy potential, growing success in space and life sciences and widespread adoption of AI alongside the emergence of quantum technology.

Challenges facing Scotland resonate with those seen across the world including growing risks to democracy because of mis- and disinformation, more frequent conflicts, increasing inequalities and climate change. 

Addressing the Scotland 2050 conference in Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney said:

“The Scotland of 2050 will be shaped by a series of unpredictable forces, by new technologies we have only half-imagined in the pages of science fiction, by conflicts now only simmering, by people who are only just born but it will also be shaped by us. By the decisions we take, the policy choices we implement, the vision and path forward that we set out.

“That is a great responsibility, but for me it is also exciting, inspiring, and a privilege to shape it as First Minister. 

“With the Future Trends horizon scan, we have the best available Scotland specific analysis to inform our decisions, both now and for the future. 

“It shows both hurdles and new horizons for our society and economy. Warnings where we need to change, or up the pace, but also doors opening, if we have the courage to walk through them with confidence, with boldness and self-belief.

“And it is by shaping strategy and policy towards achieving long-term outcomes that we will be ready for this new world as it evolves.

“It is only by taking charge of our own destiny, with our own hand on the tiller, that we are better able to ride the waves of change, that we are better able to shape our own future.

“That does not mean a Scotland standing alone, but rather a nation that has worked out its place in the world, and the contribution it wants to make to the world.

“An ongoing deep and rich partnership with the other nations of these isles, absolutely, but ultimately as a nation state in our own right, as a Member State of the world’s largest trading block, the world’s biggest social and economic community, the European Union.”

Background

Future Trends for Scotland - Findings from the 2024-25 Horizon Scanning Project - gov.scot

Young People and the Future of Scotland - A Participatory Horizon Scanning Engagement - gov.scot

Scotland 2050 Conference: First Minister's Speech - gov.scot