Scottish Technology Council announced as public-private sector bridge

The organisation aims to maximise benefits for the country’s burgeoning tech sector. 

Once brought online, the Scottish Technology Council will work on shaping policy and foster greater collaboration between the government and businesses. 

Membership will include companies operating in a range of niche specialisms. For example, life sciences, data, AI, advanced manufacturing and space. In total, 15 experts will sit on the council, including professionals from TechUK, former executives from Volvo and Dyson, and the Scottish AI Alliance chair. 

The launch contributes towards meeting promises made in a Programme for Government commitment. This focuses on nurturing more efficient and effective collaborations between the public and private sectors, and exploiting emerging tech trends and developments.

‘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,’ said Minister for Business and Employment Richard Lochhead.

Scotland’s technology sector is already worth £6billion. The country’s 6,800 information and communication technology firms alone employ most 70,000 people, with a further 47,000 working within life sciences. Stakeholders have long called for more support from Holyrood to expand these industries further and bridge a clear skills gap. 

‘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,’ added Lochhead.

Image: Alexandre Debiève / Unsplash 

More technology: 

South Tyneside Council is using drones to stop anti-social behaviour

Hillingdon, Nuneaton, Exeter AI planning trials promise to slash planning delays

Scottish government consults on offshore wind