Scotland’s tech trade body has welcomed a government pledge to support high growth potential digital startups with a national ‘tech scaler’ network.
ScotlandIS said the implementation of former Skyscanner executive Mark Logan’s influential technology ecosystem review is a ‘step change’ in supporting the sector.
Kate Forbes, the Scottish Government’s finance secretary, provided a progress report today for the £45m implementation plan based on the Logan Review, which was published in 2020.
They include five new tech scaler hubs located around Scotland with the potential to create more than 300 high quality start-ups, to help entrepreneurs get access to world class mentoring and training.
Government has already set up a £1 million Scottish Tech Ecosystem Fund providing support for organisations to deliver meet ups and events which create the best environment for entrepreneurs to succeed. Furthermore, it will invest more than £1 million in new devices and equipment to support teaching of computing science and appointing teachers who will drive improvements in equipment and training while sharing best practice.
A ‘chief entrepreneur officer’ will also soon be appointed in the Scottish Government to help ensure entrepreneurship ambitions are embedded in policy development. Another development is the allocation of £1.5 million for re-skilling – including support for those on low incomes to gain digital skills.
Karen Meechan, chief executive of ScotlandIS, said: “Today’s announcement marks a further step-change in the Scottish Government’s support to grow the nation’s tech ecosystem. The investment in new teachers and reskilling is particularly welcome given the recruitment challenges that many are facing in the sector. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to deliver these proposals as soon as practical.”
Ms Forbes said: “The Scottish Government is committed to the most radical reforms of the Scottish entrepreneurial system since devolution. Our ambition is to establish Scotland as one of Europe’s leading start-up economies.
“These game changing tech scalers will deliver one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive state-funded environments in Europe for the creation and growth of start-ups.
“Tech scalers will put Scotland on the global start-up map and we will promote their services relentlessly to attract the world’s best talent to scale up their businesses in Scotland.
“A key ambition in our strategy to transform the economy is to help establish Scotland as a world-class entrepreneurial country, founded on a culture that encourages, promotes and celebrates entrepreneurial activity.”
Mark Logan said: “These coordinated initiatives are part of the most significant strategic investment in Scotland’s high-technology industry ever seen in Scotland. Together, they create the perfect environment for starting and scaling technology-based businesses, with the many opportunities for our people that will result from that. It’s a very exciting time for the sector.”