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Minister convenes industry to help unlock potential £23 billion boost to economy.

Businesses across Scotland are being urged to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) as the Scottish Government brings together industry leaders to discuss how to turn its potential into growth.

Estimates suggest AI could generate more than an additional £23 billion in annual GDP for Scotland by 2035, with the right investment and leadership from government and businesses across the economy.

Innovation Minister Alyn Smith will meet techUK Chief Executive Julian David and a roundtable of industry representatives at CodeBase in Edinburgh today (Tuesday 3 November). The Scottish Government has 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. 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.”

Julian David, Chief Executive Officer of techUK, said:

"The opportunity AI offers Scotland is significant, but it will only be realised if businesses and government pull in the same direction. Today's roundtable is a chance for industry to share what is working on the ground and for government to listen and act. By collaborating, we can help more businesses of every size make the most of AI."

Scotland's AI Strategy is the Scottish Government's five-year plan to harness AI to drive responsible and inclusive growth. Support is already available for smaller businesses. The National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs, backed by £1.8 million and launched in August, helps small and medium-sized businesses get started with AI and build confidence in using it safely and effectively. Its predecessor reached more than 1,000 businesses.

The roundtable will also discuss the role of Scotland's universities and colleges in developing the AI and data skills the economy needs.

Background

Scotland's Artificial Intelligence strategy 2026-2031 – gov.scot

TechUK attendees include representatives from Google, Lloyds Banking Group, Cisco, Deloitte, Wipro, Jisc, ePass, Condatis, The Data Lab, The National Robotarium and REACT.

GC Insight found that AI could generate more than an additional £23 billion in annual GDP by 2035, with the right investment and leadership across the economy.

Further information on the National AI Adoption Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises.