Scotland has launched a five-year AI strategy designed to put the country at the forefront of artificial intelligence, with ministers saying it could support businesses, public services and wider economic growth. The plan builds on independent analysis suggesting the sector could be worth £23 billion to the Scottish economy by 2035.
Launching the strategy at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said AI was “genuinely transformative” and that the government wanted to harness its benefits responsibly. She added that the strategy sets out a clear plan to translate Scotland’s innovation and expertise into more businesses, jobs and investment.
The strategy sets out a series of first-year actions, including an independent expert advisory board, AI Champions for priority sectors and regions, an expanded AI adoption programme for businesses, a Future Jobs Panel and an AI Leadership Academy. The Scottish Government says the approach is intended to help firms develop new products and services, grow market share and create jobs while improving productivity across the economy.
A new body called AI Scotland will coordinate delivery, drawing on the expertise of enterprise agencies, The Data Lab and other partners. Ministers say the programme is intended to ensure AI benefits people, businesses and public services across Scotland, while supporting responsible and inclusive growth.
Alongside business support, the strategy places emphasis on public sector use of AI and on the skills needed to manage its impact on jobs and training. The plan also includes work on AI literacy, data access and safe, ethical deployment across areas such as health and social care.
Forbes said the government would use AI Scotland to lead an “accelerated, co-ordinated approach” so Scotland’s economy and society can reap the rewards of the technology. The message from ministers is that Scotland wants to adopt AI quickly, but in a way that is practical, measured and tied to tangible economic outcomes.
