The era of digital change is underway, and Scottish businesses are transforming how they operate to keep pace with the rapid technological advances. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and the coming advances in quantum computing are set to enter the mainstream, and businesses are taking steps to develop their employees’ digital skills.

Launched yesterday at a Systems Leadership Roundtable event hosted by Atos at the Glasgow City Chambers, the Digital Vision for Scotland covers topical themes such as Scotland as a leading digital nation; accelerating Scotland’s digital revolution; digital policing; the future of Cloud and cyber security services; the Glasgow 2018 European Championships; the future of health and wellbeing and digitisation of NHSScotland; IoT in the delivery of Scotland’s utilities; building digital skills; and the role millennials will play in shaping Scotland’s future. Recognised Scottish business sector experts discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with the digital transformation of Scotland’s businesses, infrastructure and public services, offering suggestions to meet those challenges and deliver on the potential of a digital Scotland.

Speaking on the launch of the thought leadership paper, Gavin Thomson, Senior Vice President – Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Big Data & Security, Atos UK&I said: “Scotland is responding to the demands of digital change through world-class innovation and digital leadership. There is a breadth of talent and research in the rich tech ecosystem, supported by the Scottish Government and its Digital Strategy. There is now a need to develop the workforce and to build digital inclusion and maturity to ensure Scotland continues to be an outward looking digital nation. We firmly believe harnessing the digital and technological potential in Scotland will help to enhance citizens’ lives and enable organisations to deliver their key priorities.”

Commenting on the potential of a digitally transformed Scotland, Polly Purvis, CEO, ScotlandIS, said: “A future smarter Digital Scotland would be an international leader in digital technologies, such as AI, data science, Fintech and cyber, with world leading research and innovation in industry relevant fields. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow will be major start-up hubs, and Scotland's cities top European locations for international technology businesses. All our citizens will understand the benefits of digital, be highly skilled in using digital solutions to improve productivity and the quality of life for themselves and others, and actively promote Scotland as a world-class location."

This is the eighth paper in the Digital Vision programme and comes as Atos proudly supports the Glasgow 2018 European Championships, as the Official Provider for the Timing, Scoring and Results service for Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics and Triathlon, and the Digital Media and Central Results service across all sports enabling a robust digital presence to the event.