Digital growth to outstrip wider economy

The digital sector will grow at twice the pace of the wider Scottish economy over the next seven years.

New research by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and the Digital Technologies Skills Group found the digital sector accounted for 5% of Scotland’s total business base and employed 2% of the national workforce.

The number of tech firms rose by 53% between 2013 and 2015 – almost three times the rate in the wider economy.

The Scotland’s Digital technologies report predicts that growth in the digital arena will continue to outstrip the wider economy in the coming years.

Claire Gillespie of SDS said: “The digital technologies sector is expanding and is a key contributor to the economic growth and global competitiveness of every sector in Scotland.

“This growth is creating significant job opportunities for skilled workers, particularly young people and other new entrants across a wide range of roles.”

Finance secretary Derek Mackay said the report underlined the importance of digital skills to Scotland’s economy.

Rapid growth in the digital sector is predicted to continue.