- Minister convenes industry to help unlock potential £23
billion boost to economy
Businesses across Scotland are being urged to harness the power
of artificial intelligence (AI) as the Scottish Government brings
together industry leaders to discuss how to turn its potential
into growth.
Estimates suggest AI could generate more than an additional £23
billion in annual GDP for Scotland by 2035, with the right
investment and leadership from government and businesses across
the economy.
Innovation Minister Alyn will meet techUK Chief Executive
David and a roundtable of industry
representatives at CodeBase in Edinburgh today (Tuesday 3
November). The Scottish Government has convened the discussion to
hear directly from businesses about what is helping and what is
holding back AI adoption.
Mr said:
"AI is one of the biggest opportunities for Scotland's economy in
a generation. The potential is there, with an additional £23
billion a year within reach by 2035. But it will only be realised
if businesses take action.
"Whether you are an established firm or a growing start-up, and
whether you are curious, cautious or sceptical about AI, now is
the time to explore what it can do for you. We want Scottish
businesses to harness AI to meet that ambition, and to exceed it.
"Scotland has a real advantage in the world-class talent our
universities and colleges produce, and in the research and
computing power behind them. That strength, working hand in hand
with business, is what will turn this potential into jobs,
investment and growth.
"Government can set the direction and help clear the way, but we
need industry to tell us what works, what doesn't and
what would make the difference. That is why we have brought
this group together today.
David, Chief Executive Officer of
techUK, said:
"The opportunity AI offers Scotland is significant, but it will
only be realised if businesses and government pull in the same
direction. Today's roundtable is a chance for industry to share
what is working on the ground and for government to listen and
act. By collaborating, we can help more businesses of every size
make the most of AI."
Scotland's AI Strategy is the Scottish Government's five-year
plan to harness AI to drive responsible and inclusive growth.
Support is already available for smaller businesses. The National
AI Adoption Programme for SMEs, backed by £1.8 million and
launched in August, helps small and medium-sized businesses get
started with AI and build confidence in using it safely and
effectively. Its predecessor reached more than 1,000 businesses.
The roundtable will also discuss the role of Scotland's
universities and colleges in developing the AI and data skills
the economy needs.
Background
Scotland's Artificial
Intelligence strategy 2026-2031 - gov.scot
TechUK attendees include
representatives from Google, Lloyds Banking Group, Cisco,
Deloitte, Wipro, Jisc, ePass, Condatis, The Data Lab, The
National Robotarium and REACT.
GC Insight found that AI could generate more than an
additional £23 billion in annual GDP by 2035, with the right
investment and leadership across the economy.
Further information on the National AI Adoption
Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises.
