Digital strategy for Scotland: vision statement

Sustainable Digital Public Services

Scotland’s Public Service Reform Strategy is focused on creating services that are person-centred, preventative and delivered locally – this means designing around the needs of people and communities rather than organisational structures. Digital solutions, informed by quality data, are a key driver of this change, which enables more efficient and sustainable services, improves the experience of people, empowers communities to shape services, and supports early intervention to improve lives.

Where we are now

Scotland is making progress in transforming public services through digital innovation. Across government and the public sector, digital tools are being used to improve how services are designed and delivered.

Underpinning this progress has been an increasing focus on collaboration and a greater focus on building re-usable solutions with best value across the sector.

To deliver high-quality, inclusive and user-centred services across Scotland, our workforce must be skilled in digital, data and technology. This involves building a workforce and leadership across government and public sector that is confident in using digital tools, applying data-informed insights, and embracing new ways of working. Attracting, developing and retaining people with the right skills and abilities is vital to leading innovation in service design and delivery.

Innovation is key to working smarter and producing better outcomes for people. For example, the use of AI to diagnose cancer early can give patients a better chance of successful treatment. Likewise, local councils deploying sensors to detect damp and mould in social housing means preventative action can be taken to reduce harm to tenants. Digital and data need to be capitalised on to help us do more in tackling big, complex challenges to improve the lives of all.

Where we want to be

We want to see a Scotland where:

Digital innovation transforms Scotland’s public services, making them smarter, faster, and fairer. By placing efficiency, high-quality customer service, and the 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.

We will achieve this by:

• developing public sector leadership, skills and capability for digital, data and innovation.
• using data and technology, including AI, ethically to protect privacy, build trust, and reduce cyber risk.
• delivering collaborative digital programmes and common digital solutions that improve the efficiency of public services, transform the user experience and deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland through the delivery of person-centred and preventative services.