Expert council set up to ensure Scotland becomes ‘leading tech nation’

A group of experts will advise ministers on how to harness the economic benefits of Scotland's technology sector.

The new Technology Council will advise on policymaking, provide a link between businesses and the Scottish Government and promote Scottish tech companies internationally, in a bid to make Scotland a world-leading tech nation.

A total of 15 experts will be part of the council, from industry leaders to academics, with experience in international markets, including health and life sciences, financial services, data and artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and space.

Some of the notable members, include Sheila Flavell, president of TechUK, Jim Rowan, former chief executive of Volvo and Dyson, and Catriona Campbell, chair of the Scottish AI Alliance.

Business minister Richard Lochhead said: “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 television, ultrasound and pioneering renewable technology, Scotland’s inventions have helped shape the world around us and transformed industries and lives.

“Our goal is to help Scotland become a leading tech nation. To ensure the world recognises our pioneering spirit as not just a thing of the past, but as a vital part of our future and to create an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish, develop new technologies and drive meaningful change.”

Lochhead will chair the council, which is due to have its first meeting tomorrow.

The Scottish tech sector has an estimated value of around £6bn and is a significant employer. Latest figures show that in 2022 Scotland’s 6,800 information and communication technologies enterprises alone employed 67,800 staff while the wider life sciences cluster supported 46,900 jobs.

However, stakeholders have long called for further support to keep up with international competitors as well as help to bridge the skills gap holding back the industry.

The group fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to establish a council of global experts to advise the government on adopting emerging technological trends.

Lochhead added: “Our world is increasingly fast-paced and the council will provide valuable insight from vastly experienced leaders in their fields, who have built their careers at the cutting edge, as we strive to support the sector to deliver high-value jobs for generations of Scots, boost international trade and increase our tax revenue to deliver vital public services.”