Digital strategy for Scotland: vision statement

A Thriving Digital Economy

Scotland is an innovative nation. We have a vibrant digital economy, with recognised academic and business expertise in AI, quantum, photonics, data science and the ethical use of data. Our aim is to translate these strengths into new businesses, products and services, with research stimulating new opportunities for Scotland’s entrepreneurs.

Where we are now

The Scottish Government has made significant investment in our national infrastructure by bringing faster broadband to thousands of homes and businesses across Scotland, connecting people, attracting investment, and supporting economic growth.

Government continues to support Scottish businesses by providing reliable online guidance and face-to-face support through Business Gateway and our Enterprise Agencies. Cluster building organisations such as FinTech Scotland take an industry led approach to supporting member companies and keeping Scotland on the international map. By supporting businesses and innovators to realise the benefits of digital technologies and AI in particular, we are making it easier to do business, and unlocking opportunities to grow our economy.

Scotland has competitive advantages in digital, tech, media and e-commerce, and it is important to build on such economic strengths. Digital trade represents a significant and growing share of total trade in Scotland. Digital allows businesses to increase the scale, scope and speed of trade while reducing the cost and effort to reach international markets.

A cyber resilient business is a competitively strong and trusted business. It is important that business owners have a sound understanding of cyber risks and how to manage a cyber incident.

Where we want to be

We want to see a Scotland where:

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.

We will achieve this by:

• launching AI Scotland as a national change programme to promote investment in and use of AI across our economy.
• supporting the development of clusters of businesses in key market sectors such as FinTech, GovTech and Med Tech and transformational technologies such as quantum, photonics and AI.
• continuing to invest in digital infrastructure, so that all businesses have access to new markets and growth opportunities through the internet.
• supporting Scottish businesses, the third sector, and other organisations to be cyber resilient.