Andrew Holloway
In the next decade, experts believe the rate of technological change we witness will completely outpace everything we've seen in the last century. The world is changing and every one of our jobs will change with it.
Scotland is home to many of the tech firms driving that revolution. From the one-man start-ups to the global giants, we're playing host to a number of businesses that are pioneering change. They're succeeding and they're largely doing it on their own. But, while Scotland's tech sector doesn't require a life support machine, it does need the right kind of assistance from governments – both in Edinburgh and London – to continue to develop and grow.
'A tax-break for the digital age' was how the Chancellor billed one of his announcements when he set out his latest Budget. George Obsorne was keen to emphasise that he was on the side of micro-entrepreneurs when he revealed plans for tax cuts for online trade businesses. What's already been dubbed the 'AirBnB tax break' was one glimmer of light amid a set of spending plans that appeared to largely ignore the UK's booming technology sector.
For now, R&D tax relief will remain a key part of the government's strategy to stimulate innovation and growth. But, while the current arrangement is definitely helping to position Scotland, and the rest of the UK, as a global leader in tech, so much more could be done to recognise and support such a crucial industry.
Despite some positive steps, the country's infrastructure remains painfully poor at handling the requirements of a completely digital economy. In rural communities, internet connections can be almost non-existent, while in some of our leading cities, super-fast connections are a bonus rather than the norm.
In May, Scotland will go to the polls to decide the shape of the Scottish Parliament for the next five years. This is an opportunity for all parties to explore their current thinking and develop manifestos that place digital at the heart of their promises, rather than putting technology in a box and treating it like a small sector of limited importance.
The party that wins the keys to Holyrood in May will be in charge until at least 2021. It's only five years, but in that time, the so-called Generation Z, who have spent their whole life immersed in technology, will be in managerial and leadership roles. 5G, which provides near-limitless communication and information exchange options, will be the norm. Industries we once took for granted will have completely vanished, replaced by new sectors and new roles we never imagined would exist.
We all want a vibrant, sustainable economy in Scotland. To achieve this, we need to acknowledge and embrace a forthcoming digital transformation.
Andrew Holloway is head of technology and emerging markets in Scotland for Grant Thornton UK LLP.
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