Conference urges communities to embrace digital developments

Cities and towns at the forefront of the “digital revolution” will reap major economic rewards, a conference in Perth has been told.

The technology exists to interact with visitors via targeted offers and advertising, but many places have yet to embrace these opportunities.

A Smarter Scotland event in Perth Theatre attracted town and city managers from across the country.

The main thrust of the gathering was to ensure Scotland’s “full potential is realised in a digital world”.

Richard Watson, managing director of Rapier Systems in Dunfermline said new technology allowed cities to have far more in-depth knowledge of who is visiting a destination. If people use free wi-fi they are signalling they are in town and interested in local businesses.

“They could be sent offers, told what is on in town that day or encouraged to come back tomorrow,” Mr Watson told the conference.

“This would drive interaction with residents and tourists.”

The delegates at A Smarter Scotland heard the findings of Scotland’s Digital Towns Pilot Programme.

The programme – launched last summer by Scotland’s Towns Partnership in partnership with Digital Scotland and the Scottish Government – appointed consultants to review and advise on projects.

Phil Prentice, chief officer at Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “This event distils the research undertaken through the pilot programme and looks at how relatively small investment can drive really beneficial economic and social outcomes.”