Scottish businesses are being encouraged to accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence as ministers and industry leaders explore how the technology can drive economic growth, boost productivity and strengthen Scotland's global competitiveness.
The call comes as estimates suggest AI could add more than £23 billion annually to Scotland's GDP by 2035, provided businesses and government work together to unlock its full potential through investment, skills development and innovation.
Scottish Innovation Minister Alyn Smith said:
"AI is one of the biggest opportunities for Scotland's economy in a generation. The potential is there, with an additional £23 billion a year within reach by 2035. But it will only be realised if businesses take action.
"Whether you are an established firm or a growing start-up, and whether you are curious, cautious or sceptical about AI, now is the time to explore what it can do for you. We want Scottish businesses to harness AI to meet that ambition, and to exceed it.
"Scotland has a real advantage in the world-class talent our universities and colleges produce, and in the research and computing power behind them. That strength, working hand in hand with business, is what will turn this potential into jobs, investment and growth.
"Government can set the direction and help clear the way, but we need industry to tell us what works, what doesn't and what would make the difference. That is why we have brought this group together today.”
The discussion forms part of Scotland's wider AI Strategy, a five-year plan designed to promote responsible and inclusive growth through the adoption of artificial intelligence across the economy.
Support for smaller organisations is already in place through the National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs, which launched in August with £1.8 million in funding. The programme is intended to help small and medium-sized enterprises understand, adopt and implement AI technologies safely and effectively.
The Scottish Government said the programme builds on the success of its predecessor initiative, which supported more than 1,000 businesses in exploring the practical benefits of AI.
Alongside discussions on business adoption, participants also considered the role that Scotland's universities and colleges can play in developing the AI and data skills required for future economic growth.
With demand for digital expertise continuing to rise across both the public and private sectors, strengthening the talent pipeline is seen as a key factor in ensuring Scotland can capitalise on the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence over the coming decade.
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