Digital strategy for Scotland: vision statement

Foreword

Ivan McKee Katie Hagmann

Minister for Public Finance COSLA Resources Spokesperson

Digital technology has transformed our lives at an unprecedented pace. As we connect with one another online, access services through a screen, learn and develop our careers, and establish and grow our businesses globally, the impact of digital is undeniable. This transformation has been propelled further by the rapid acceleration of technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are reshaping how we live, work, and deliver services.

Reflecting the transformative power of digital, we published Scotland’s Digital Strategy in 2021 - “A changing nation: how Scotland will thrive in a digital world”. The word ‘changing’ has proven to be particularly prescient. The strategy was written at a time when we were still coming to terms with the Covid 19 pandemic, and we saw significant changes to the delivery environment due to rapid digital transformation.

While the aims of the 2021 strategy are still largely valid today, it is evident that the world has changed. This 2025 strategy refresh is our response to that change.

Nonetheless, the refreshed strategic vision will look familiar in its intent, with commitments for digital to enrich the lives of our people; drive our economy; and transform our public services. The refreshed strategy’s contribution and relevance to the Public Service Reform agenda cannot be understated.

The vision is the product of substantial joint work between the Scottish Government and Local Government (represented by COSLA and the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government), making a reality of the aspiration for partnership government that is outlined in the Verity House agreement. The strategic vision is co-owned, co-designed and will be co-delivered.

A strategy is more than words on a page. Success flows from the action taken as a result of these words. This vision represents our strategic goals. An ambition for our digitally connected country to attract investment and be a place where people and businesses thrive, where our digital public services put people first, and the most disadvantaged have access to the many and various opportunities digital offers.

It will take the effort of us all to work together to achieve that vision, but we will do so for the betterment of Scotland.