A new £1 million government-funded ‘AI Scotland’ programme is aiming to help small and medium-sized (SME) businesses get to grips with the technology.
SMEs be able to tap into a range of support including tailored consultancy services and grants – to introduce or expand the use of AI in order to develop new products and services, grow market share and attract new investment.
The programme will be delivered by enterprise agencies – Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise – together with The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and artificial intelligence and the Scottish AI Alliance.
It is the first initiative to be delivered as part of AI Scotland, a transformation programme designed to support the adoption of AI. Businesses can find out more about support available on the Find Business Support website.
To launch the programme, Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited the Edinburgh Trams depot at Gogarburn in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Trams has been working with Edinburgh-based technology consultants Integrated Human Factors to develop a wearable fatigue monitoring device. The launch coincided with Scotland’s ‘National Innovation Week’.
Mr Lochhead said: “Artificial intelligence is a hugely powerful, rapidly-evolving tool that can support and drive our economy. It can enable businesses to work smarter, to innovate and empower and support its workforces. The project being developed by Integrated Human Factors and Edinburgh Trams is a great example of this.
“This national programme will help ensure SMEs across the country have the right support and guidance in place to explore and develop how the adoption of AI could support expansion, competitiveness and open new markets. I’d urge all businesses to find out more about the support and guidance now available to them.”
The AI Scotland programme was welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland.
Guy Hinks, FSB Scotland Chair, said: “Upskilling the workforce is one of the biggest challenges facing the Scottish economy. Our latest FSB research shows nearly a quarter of the country’s small businesses don’t believe they will be able to find the appropriately skilled staff they may need in the coming year.
“AI and digital skills are among the most sought after by small businesses which are not being met in the current market.
“The AI Scotland programme is therefore very welcome and we hope the Scottish Government will continue to prioritise support for Scotland’s 350,000 small businesses in this important area.”
Research commissioned by Scottish Enterprise estimates that AI could potentially increase Scotland’s GDP by between £2.74 billion and £19.33 billion over a no-AI scenario by 2035.
Rhona Allison, managing director of productivity and business growth at Scottish Enterprise, said: “The potential for AI to drive efficiency and productivity gains and increase companies’ competitiveness is immense. Yet research shows that three quarters of Scottish SMEs aren’t using any AI technologies and don’t have plans to adopt AI in the short term.
“We understand that businesses might be finding it difficult knowing where to start on AI adoption. That’s why the delivery partners have drawn on their experience to develop this ambitious Scotland-wide programme. It highlights the transformative potential of AI, considers the challenges of adoption, and makes practical support available to companies looking to embed AI in their operations.”
Businesses can access support available through the programme at AI Scotland National AI Adoption Programme | Find Business Support