"Enabling a Digital Scotland” published by ScotlandIS, the trade body for Scotland’s ICT industry, has been launched by (right) chairman David Cairns.

“At a time when economic hopes are pinned on private sector expansion and export-led recovery to counterbalance the reduction in public sector spending and employment, Scotland’s ICT industry holds the key to drive growth, improve productivity and generate export income," he said. "But if we carry on as we are, we will be left in the dark ages."

“Our vision is for Scotland to rank amongst the best of global economies, where the majority of citizens are skilled in using digital technologies, where public and private sector organisations fuel growth and improve productivity by understanding and exploiting technology.

"As well as helping to combat social and geographic exclusion, we would create a digitally skilled nation which would add billions of pounds to our economy every year.

“To achieve this vision urgent action is required. Many other comparable countries are leapfrogging us. Indeed other parts of the UK have jumped ahead of Scotland. These tech savvy regions are enjoying greater economic benefits, productivity gains, improved competitiveness and a greater ability to export. This is desperately worrying for Scotland’s economy.

"Delivering the required strategies to protect and grow our economy needs a major drive by both the public and private sectors and we are calling for action now.”

Scotland-wide strategy for ICT
GVA³ or gross valued added is similar to GDP but considered a more precise measure of the difference between value of goods and services produced & cost of raw materials and other inputs used up in production.

The Scottish economy could also benefit from an additional £5bn in productivity improvements through smarter use of digital technologies. This is of particular relevance given the recent public sector spending cuts.

In earlier findings, ICT Forum for Scotland proposed Scottish Government should lead a partnership of stakeholders to create a culture change, so Scotland’s citizens, businesses and public sector organisations see smart exploitation of ICT as being the critical enabler of economic success and a valuable mechanism for improving their lives.

The appointment of a Digital Champion to drive through a major programme of change across all areas of Scotland, will enable such a concerted action.

The ICT sector in Scotland contributes 5% of GVA, creates high skilled jobs and generates significant export earnings. But compared with other countries, the speed of growth is sub-optimal. More is needed to accelerate this important sector.

Donald MacRae, (right) chief economist, Bank of Scotland noted the need for a modern digital communications infrastructure, available to all Scotland's communities, as much as  schools, roads and airports are needed.

"We cannot change our geographical location on the edges of Europe, but we can ensure we are at the heart of a global digital communications network. Competing successfully in the economy of the future means having access to the tools and the infrastructure of tomorrow. ICT is crucial to securing Scotland’s share of a post-recession economy.”