The Data Lab and CBI Scotland have joined the CyberScotland Partnership, which brings together 25 organisations from across Scotland’s public, private and third sectors to raise cybersecurity awareness and strengthen resilience.
CBI Scotland, whose membership spans businesses of all sizes and sectors, will strengthen the partnership’s engagement with the business community and ensure its priorities are represented in national discussions on cyber resilience.
The Data Lab brings expertise in data and AI-driven innovation and skills development, and will help organisations navigate the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Theresa Swayne, chair of the CyberScotland Partnership, said: “I am doubly pleased to welcome The Data Lab and CBI Scotland to the Partnership. The Data Lab brings deep expertise in data innovation and AI, including its role as a partner in AI Scotland and its focus on developing the skills Scotland needs for a data-driven economy.
“CBI Scotland brings a strong business voice and insight into the opportunities and challenges facing organisations across sectors. Together, their contribution will strengthen our collective ability to help organisations across Scotland innovate confidently, build cyber resilience, stay secure and make the most of digital technologies safely and securely.”
Chris Kelly, head of policy for Scotland at CBI Scotland, said: “Businesses across Scotland are increasingly clear that cyber resilience is a condition of growth rather than an overhead, particularly as firms invest in digital and AI. The CyberScotland Partnership brings together the organisations that can reach those firms with consistent, trusted advice, and CBI Scotland is glad to add its voice, reach and convening power to that effort.”
Heather Thomson, chief executive of The Data Lab, added: “Cybersecurity is a core technical skill that enables individuals to understand, use and manage data and AI responsibly. With increasing digitalisation across all sectors, findings from our 2025 skills whitepaper reinforce that cybersecurity is set to be one of the most important data and AI skills over the next five years. However, it’s also a significant skills gap for many organisations.
“We’re delighted to be joining the CyberScotland Partnership to help make sure that Scotland is a cyber-resilient nation, and that people and organisations have the awareness and skills they need to stay safe digitally.”