Russell Jackson: Scotland well-placed to reap rewards of digital disruption

Digital disruption is fuelling changes in our homes and working lives, writes Russell Jackson

Digital disruption is a phrase heard so often it’s almost lost meaning. But the impact is plain to see in our homes and on our high streets.

One in 25 Scots already works in Scotland’s tech sector and that number is expected to rise. Over 10,000 students a year graduate in software and digitally-related disciplines from Scotland’s world-leading universities.

As Mark Newlands of Scottish Development International (SDI) says, “the future is definitely tech”.

But being tech-savvy is more than just having an understanding of code. The tech start-up culture has already entered long established businesses. The corporate world is evolving from an image of suits and boardrooms to embracing concepts such as tech incubators, in-house mentoring and challenge competitions. Digital entrepreneurship is changing how all businesses view themselves and staff must be ready to adapt. However, it’s important to remember that tech trends are primarily driven by consumer demand. Apps like Facebook, Whatsapp and Snapchat allow people to communicate with others instantly, and there are growing expectations around digital-based services in the fintech sector too. Services such as branchless banking, crowd-sourced business lending and mobile and wearable payment devices have already changed the way that customers interact with their bank, and emerging technologies will continue to drive changes.

The Internet of Things, meanwhile, will revolutionise everything from household appliances to street furniture. From domestic heating systems that intuitively knows when to switch off, to streetlights that save energy when no pedestrian is nearby, sensory systems are helping us move to a truly connected age.

Mark Newlands of SDI said: “We are committed to supporting Scotland’s tech companies to go global, compete in new international markets and take new products developed in Scotland to an international audience. We are also working to bring new and exciting international tech companies to Scotland to strengthen the Scottish cluster, create jobs, innovate and grow. The future is definitely tech and Scotland is ideally placed to be a strong player.”

0 Digital skills are in growing demand