Digital strategy for Scotland: vision statement

Our Vision

Delivering our vision

The vision is a long-term goal. We are already making good progress towards achieving that goal, and progress is accelerating. Local Government and the Scottish Government will continue to work together so that our actions and resources are focused on the same ambition.

How we are going to achieve our vision will be set out in subject-specific delivery plans. The plans will detail what we are doing, why we are doing it, who is doing it, when it will happen, and how we will measure our progress and impact. The plans will be updated regularly. This will allow us to respond to change in an ever-dynamic digital world.

What this means for Scotland

Our vision is a Scotland where digital is at the heart of empowering people, creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of our lives. In delivering our vision we want to see a Scotland where:

Our people can connect to digital opportunities

Everyone has the chance to thrive in the digital world– whether it’s staying connected with friends and family, pursuing education, or accessing essential services. We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind; every individual should be empowered to seize all available digital opportunities and enjoy the benefits they bring.

Our businesses create economic growth

There is a vibrant tech ecosystem, where businesses work with academia, the public sector and each other to start, scale and expand internationally. We attract investment because we have the right people and ideas.

Our public sector delivers improved public services

Digital innovation transforms Scotland’s public services, making them smarter, faster, and fairer. By placing efficiency, high-quality customer service, and prevention at the core, we can transform how our nation delivers public services and achieve better outcomes for everyone. At the same time, robust cyber security ensures everyone can trust and embrace digital services, confident their information is protected.

These ambitions align with the current National Performance Framework which sets out the society we want to achieve and how we will measure progress. The National Performance Framework is currently being refreshed and renewed. This will ensure a clear connection between outcomes, ways of working and accountability across Scotland. We will ensure that the Digital Strategy is fully embedded in that work.

Digital technology is a gateway to opportunities - whether it is connecting with friends and family, accessing healthcare, applying for benefits, looking for a job, or finding the best deals when making a purchase. There is a strong link between digital exclusion and poverty. People on lower incomes are more likely to face barriers in accessing digital tools and skills, which can further limit their opportunities and the vital services they need and reinforce existing inequalities. These challenges can often be intensified in rural and remote locations, where limited infrastructure and geographic isolation can make affordable connectivity and access to digital devices even more difficult. By addressing digital exclusion, we can help break the cycle of poverty and unlock a more inclusive society where everyone has the chance to thrive.