Wide-ranging measures have been unveiled to place Scotland at the
forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.
Scotland's AI Strategy sets out a five-year plan to ensure
people, businesses and public services across the country benefit
from AI.
Independent analysis estimates the AI sector could be worth £23
billion to the Scottish economy by 2035 and the Strategy details
increased support for businesses to expand the use of AI to
develop new products and services, grow market share and generate
new jobs and investment.
Initiatives to be implemented in the first year include:
- establishing an independent expert advisory board to provide
strategic guidance on the strategy's delivery
- appointing AI Champions to represent priority sectors and
regions
- rolling out an expanded AI adoption programme for businesses
to help drive productivity and competitiveness across the economy
- creating a Future Jobs Panel to assess AI's impact on the
workforce and establishing an AI Leadership Academy established
Launching the Strategy at the Edinburgh Futures Institute in
Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister said:
“The unprecedented pace at which AI is increasing and evolving
presents an enormous opportunity. It has the potential to be
genuinely transformative – for every sector of our economy, and
for people from all backgrounds and communities.
“This strategy sets out a clear plan to harness the economic and
social benefits of AI responsibly with practical, tangible steps
to be taken this year to help ensure we translate our innovation
and expertise into more businesses, jobs and investment.
“In establishing AI Scotland we will use the expertise of our
enterprise agencies, The Data Lab and other partners to lead an
accelerated, co-ordinated approach to ensure Scotland's economy
and society reaps the rewards of this incredible technology.”
Background
The AI for Scotland Strategy and establishment of AI Scotland are Scottish Government Programme
for Government 2025-26 commitments.
Embracing the economic potential
of AI - gov.scot
EMBRAGOED AI Strategy for
Scotland 2026-31.pdf
