Scotland's Technology Council 2025-26 Report

Foreword

Innovation is part of Scotland’s DNA. It is embedded in our culture and our society – and it has the potential to turbocharge our economy. From leading the Industrial Revolution to world changing inventions such as the television, ultrasound imaging and pioneering renewable technologies, Scotland’s ideas have long helped shape the world around us and transformed lives and industries.

Over the past year, this spirit of innovation has been reflected in the work of Scotland’s Technology Council. Since its establishment in May 2025, I have been delighted to bring together leaders from industry, academia, and entrepreneurship, each with deep experience operating at the cutting edge of global technology. Their collective insight has been invaluable as we consider how Scotland can strengthen its position as a leading tech nation.

The goal is clear: to ensure the world recognises Scotland’s pioneering spirit not as something confined to history, but as a vital part of our future. Scotland wants to create an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish, develop new technologies and drive meaningful change. As the pace of technological development accelerates — across AI, clean energy, health innovation, advanced manufacturing, and beyond — the Council’s advice helps to understand what Scotland must do to seize opportunities and minimise risks.

The Council’s work comes at a crucial moment. Around the world, competition for talent, investment, and technological leadership is intensifying. To ensure Scotland continues to thrive in this fast-paced environment, businesses must embrace innovation, ensure people have access to the skills and education they need, and encourage those who develop and maintain our vital technological infrastructure to stay at the forefront of global progress.

While much has already been achieved through our national innovation efforts, the Council’s contributions build on these strong foundations. But this report is also an opportunity to look forward — to identify the barriers we must remove, the sectors where we can lead, and the actions we need to take now to secure Scotland’s long-term competitiveness.

Not every action or ambition described in this report might be possible. Governments have competing priorities and choices to make. However, the insights in this report will support Scotland’s ambition to deliver high value jobs for generations of Scots, boost international trade, and grow the tax revenues that fund essential public services. I am grateful to every member of the Council for their energy, ambition, and commitment throughout this first year of work.

I take tremendous pride in bringing this expert group together, with a genuine sense of optimism for where Scotland is headed. I look forward to seeing what Scotland’s Technology Council can achieve, moving forward and making a difference in elevating technology and AI onto the government and Scotland’s agenda.

I hope you find this report both informative and inspiring. It serves not only as a reflection of what has been achieved to date, but as a call to action — a reminder that by working together, we can ensure Scotland fully harnesses the benefits of technology and innovation for all.

Richard Lochhead MSP

Minister for Business and Employment