SCOTLAND'S global competitiveness is at risk unless the 'digital economy' is prioritised in the next term of the Scottish Parliament, according to accountancy firm Grant Thornton.
The firm is calling for more flagship initiatives such as the £410 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme, which was launched in 2014 as part of a wider commitment to make Scotland a world class digital nation. The scheme aims to extend high speed fibre broadband to around 95 per cent of Scotland by the end of March 2018.
"The Scottish Government's broadband rollout programme has already had a significant impact and, if the targets are met, 95 per cent of properties throughout Scotland will have a broadband connection within the next two years,” said Andrew Holloway, Grant Thornton's head of technology and emerging markets in Scotland
"Broadband rollout, combined with the recent rapid growth of the tech sector, has helped to position Scotland as a digital leader. But connectivity is only one part of the complex digital infrastructure that's required to really unlock future growth.”
Mr Holloway said the next five to ten years would be transformational for the global economy – according to experts – and that Scotland must broaden its approach to digital growth to remain competitive.
“The world is about to witness change and disruption at a pace that we may struggle to keep up with,” he said. “From tax support for innovative entrepreneurs to pioneering digital transformation projects, Holyrood must act now to ensure that Scotland can achieve its bold aim of being a truly world class digital nation."
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