BT Scotland is one of four partners who have produced this report, along with input from a cross-section of industry leaders. The report shows how making the most of digital technologies will boost Scotland’s economy. It’s been estimated GDP would increase by an extra £9bn by 2030 if the country became a digital world leader. The report recommends appointing a first chief digital officer for Scotland and similar senior appointments across the public and private sectors to provide stronger leadership on digital matters. Plus action to recruit, train and continually develop more specialist computer science teachers. There are also recommendations on business transformation, data, skills and infrastructure. And joint work to drive up digital adoption, usage, benefits and skills.
Access to high-speed internet has greatly increased in recent years, thanks to commercial and publicly-funded investment in fibre broadband. Next generation broadband availability in Scotland rose from 41 per cent in 2011 to 85 per cent in 2015. By the end of March 2018, that will rise to around 95 per cent of premises.