SCOTLAND’S hub for data and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, The Data Lab, is marking a decade of achievements with a substantial contribution to the Scottish economy. In celebration of its ten-year milestone, the centre has released its inaugural impact report, providing insights into its pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering job creation since its inception in 2014.
Available on The Data Lab’s website, the impact report paints a compelling picture of success. The centre has injected a remarkable £200 million in additional revenue into Scotland’s burgeoning data and AI sector, underscoring its pivotal role in propelling economic expansion. Beyond monetary metrics, The Data Lab has played a central role in generating and securing over 1,350 jobs, affirming its significance in the regional workforce.
Over the past decade, strategic collaborations have been forged through more than 145 projects, bringing together Scottish universities, colleges, and organisations across key locations like Shetland, Inverness, Dundee, and the central belt. These partnerships have attracted £90 million in research and development funding from Scottish, UK, and EU consortia, focusing on vital sectors such as health, the built environment, and transportation.
Highlighting The Data Lab’s commitment to impactful initiatives addressing real-world challenges, notable projects include the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub, led by Ulster University, and the collaboration with NHS Highland to enhance bowel cancer diagnostics through AI-assisted colon capsule endoscopy.
Brian Hills, CEO of The Data Lab, reflected on the transformative impact of AI and data technology over the last decade, stating, “The profound change in how we perceive and utilise technology, with AI emerging as an undeniable force set to revolutionise organisational operations.” Hills emphasised the critical role of skills in navigating the data and AI landscape, noting that 80,000 individuals have enrolled in online courses supported by The Data Lab, indicating a widespread eagerness to enhance data and AI adoption.
In addition to its contributions to the economy and education, The Data Lab has successfully cultivated a vibrant data and AI community, boasting over 3,500 members from 60 countries since its establishment in 2021. Hills underscored the significance of a collaborative network, stating, “Growing a thriving network of individuals to collaborate, network, engage, and learn at various stages of their career is no mean feat.”
As The Data Lab continues to pioneer new frontiers in the data and AI landscape, its commitment to creating a connected society fueled by innovation remains steadfast. The evolution of The Data Lab Community, progressing month by month, reflects the centre’s vision to establish the world’s most impactful data community.
For a detailed look at The Data Lab’s impact, including interviews with partners and beneficiaries, visit The Data Lab Impact.
