AI business adoption programme opens for second year

The National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs has been continued for a second year, backed by £1.8m of Scottish Government funding.

The programme is designed to offer support for small to medium sized businesses as they explore how to use artificial intelligence, offering mentoring, workshops, and grant funding.

It helped over 1,000 businesses last year after ministers put £1m into the programme.

Innovation minister Ben Macpherson said it allowed businesses to access the support they need to “grow, innovate and flourish”.

“Ensuring our businesses have the skills to identify appropriate AI opportunities – and adopt new technologies safely and in line with fair work principles – will help drive sustainable growth across the economy and futureproof Scotland's businesses,” he added.

Nearly two-thirds of Scottish businesses have adopted AI in some form, according to a Fraser of Allander Institute survey last month.

This was the highest usage of AI on record, though the survey also found it was not used intensively by many. Most companies reported low to moderate use, often relying on it as a supporting tool rather than embedded into operations.

The adoption programme is part of the government’s five-year AI strategy, which it hopes will drive economic growth.

It is being delivered by the enterprise agencies, Business Gateway and the Data Lab.

Rhona Allison, managing director of company growth and scaling innovation at Scottish Enterprise, said: “AI is creating new opportunities for businesses to innovate, compete and increase productivity. Adoption is accelerating, but many companies still need support to move from experimentation to meaningful business impact.

 “This programme is about helping businesses turn potential into action. By giving companies, the confidence and capability to adopt and scale AI, we can help more Scottish businesses boost productivity, sharpen competitiveness and unlock new opportunities for growth.”