Businesses across Scotland are being urged to harness artificial intelligence, as the Scottish Government brought together industry leaders to discuss turning its potential into economic growth.
The Scottish Government said estimates suggest AI could generate more than an additional £23 billion in annual GDP for Scotland by 2035, provided there is the right investment and leadership from government and businesses across the economy.
Innovation Minister Alyn Smith met techUK Chief Executive Julian David and a roundtable of industry representatives at CodeBase in Edinburgh on 3 November. The Scottish Government said it convened the discussion to hear directly from businesses about what is helping and what is holding back AI adoption.
Mr Smith said AI is “one of the biggest opportunities for Scotland’s economy in a generation,” adding that the potential £23 billion a year by 2035 would only be realised if businesses took action. He said Scotland had an advantage in talent produced by its universities and colleges, and in the research and computing power behind them, and said government could set the direction but needed industry to say what works and what does not.
Julian David, Chief Executive Officer of techUK, said the opportunity AI offers Scotland is significant, but added it will only be realised if businesses and government pull in the same direction. He said the roundtable was a chance for industry to share what is working and for government to listen and act, adding that collaboration could help businesses of every size make the most of AI.
According to the Scottish Government, the roundtable formed part of Scotland’s AI Strategy, described as a five-year plan to harness AI to drive responsible and inclusive growth. The Scottish Government said support is already available for smaller businesses through the National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs, backed by £1.8 million and launched in August, which helps small and medium-sized businesses get started with AI and build confidence in using it safely and effectively. The Scottish Government said its predecessor programme reached more than 1,000 businesses.
The Scottish Government said the roundtable would also discuss the role of Scotland’s universities and colleges in developing the AI and data skills the economy needs.