Expert government body created in bid to make Scotland a 'leading tech nation'

A new government body has been created to ensure that Scotland is a leading tech nation on the global stage.

The Scottish Technology Council will assist ministers in maximising the country’s multi-billion pound technology sector.

The newly formed group will help shape policy, provide a link between businesses and the Scottish Government and promote Scottish tech companies internationally.

Latest figures show Scotland’s 6,800 information and communication technologies enterprises employed 67,800 staff in 2022, while the wider life sciences cluster supported 46,900 jobs in the same year.

Council membership includes industry leaders and academics with experience in international markets, including health and life sciences, financial services, data and AI, advanced manufacturing, and space.

Jim Rowan, the former CEO of Volvo, Dyson and Blackberry, is one of the council’s notable members.

The government body is due to have its first meeting on Tuesday.

Minister for Business and Employment Richard Lochhead said: “Innovation is part of Scotland’s DNA. It is embedded in our culture and our society – and it has the potential to turbocharge our economy.

“From leading the industrial revolution to television, ultrasound and pioneering renewable technology, Scotland’s inventions have helped shape the world around us and transformed industries and lives.

“Our goal is to help Scotland become a leading tech nation. To ensure the world recognises our pioneering spirit as not just a thing of the past, but as a vital part of our future and to create an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish, develop new technologies and drive meaningful change.

“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.”