Following the First Minister’s vision for Scotland’s digital future, the refreshed National Digital Strategy isn’t just a statement of our intent, it is a practical framework for change in every community across Scotland.
As COSLA spokesperson and as a councillor, I am proud to stand alongside colleagues from local and national government, COSLA, and the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, as we move from vision to action.
The refreshed strategy sets out our shared ambitious goals for digital transformation, but its true value lies in how these ambitions are realised for the people and communities we serve. It is vital that local government translates the national strategy into tangible benefits for the people in our communities.
In order to deliver this vision, it is crucial to bring everyone along with us. Digital inclusion is more than simply providing access to devices or broadband. It’s also about our shared confidence, skills, and trust.
This is where the passion and knowledge of our councils can bring the digital strategy to life through community connections that already support local people.
It is clear looking across Scotland, councils are already working with partners to expand digital lending libraries, support community learning, and tackle the barriers faced by many in our communities, for example those in rural or remote island areas, or those from lower income backgrounds.
By recognising a place-based approach, which meets people where they are through their housing, community spaces, as well as places of education and employment, we can ensure that solutions are tailored to what people need locally, and importantly, that no one is left behind.
It is essential for us to remember that digital exclusion is often linked to poverty, and people on lower incomes are far more likely to face barriers in accessing digital tools and skills. Digital can play an important part in helping to address these barriers.
It can help to provide more and better educational and employment opportunities, as well as empower people to stay informed about the support and services available to them locally.
This is where the work we do in realising this digital vision can help to unlock a more inclusive society where everyone has the chance to thrive, underpinning vital work already being undertaken by local government, Scottish Government and the third sector.
Digital and data skills are now essential for everyone in our communities, not just those in specialist roles. Our schools and colleges are evolving to equip people of all ages with the skills they need.
Councils are supporting teachers with professional development, and by partnering with employers to understand future needs, we can promote lifelong learning so that everyone can adapt to new opportunities.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies will play an increasingly important role in education, helping learners develop the skills to succeed in an AI-enabled world.
The refreshed strategy commits to ensuring that children and young people have opportunities to use relevant digital tools and skills across all subject areas, and to support teachers in their professional development. Scotland has a vibrant digital economy, but its success depends on local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Councils are working through Business Gateway and their broader business support services to help businesses adopt new technologies, become cyber resilient, and reach new markets. By supporting innovation at the local level, jobs will be created, supporting communities and driving national economic growth.
With constant digital innovation we must take this opportunity to adapt and change how we deliver public services for the better. Councils are using data and technology to design services around people, making them more efficient and accessible.
Whether it’s using AI to improve health outcomes, deploying digital telecare solutions and sensors in homes to aid with independent living, or streamlining access to benefits through automation, we are focused on delivering better outcomes for everyone, with robust cyber security and ethical use of AI and data at the heart of our approach.
This refreshed strategy emphasises the importance of building a workforce and leadership across government and the public sector that is confident in using digital tools, using data to inform decisions, and embraces new ways of working. Across local government, attracting, developing and retaining the best people with the right skills and abilities is vital to leading innovation in service design and delivery.
By delivering collaborative digital programmes and common digital solutions, we can make our public services more efficient, preventative and user-friendly, and ultimately we can deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland. The strength of the strategy lies in collaboration.
Through COSLA, the Digital Office and the Digital Partnership, local government is not just a delivery partner, we are co-authors and co-owners of this vision. This refreshed strategy is our route map; the delivery plans explain how we will navigate change, remain transparent and measure progress.
The strategy is not just words on a page. It is a call to action for us to become a digital nation. With the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government supporting local authorities on their digital transformation journeys, we have the opportunity to translate and align the actions within the strategy into approaches that benefit people across Scotland.
Adopting a “Once for Scotland” approach to digital transformation, helps local authorities to harness the full potential of technology, driving service delivery, enhancing outcomes, and building efficiency.
Through collaboration and our shared action, we can build a future-ready, digital Scotland where everyone has the chance to participate and thrive and no one is left behind.