The Data Lab, Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI, welcomes the government’s £14 billion AI Opportunities Action Plan to enable AI adoption, innovation, and skills development to change lives and drive economic growth and productivity across the country.
According to a recent UK Parliament research briefing, there is an increasing demand for people with specialist data skills with around 178,000 unfilled data specialist roles but only around 10,000 new data scientists graduating from universities each year. The government’s recommendations to develop and diversify AI talent is a significant step toward addressing this shortfall.
At The Data Lab, our mission is to transform how we use data and AI by enabling innovation, fostering connection and collaboration, and developing skills to change lives and drive economic growth, creating a more productive and sustainable society in Scotland and beyond.
Heather Thomson, Interim CEO of The Data Lab, said,
“The investment in AI in today’s AI Action Plan is hugely welcomed. Following the comment by Richard Lochhead, MSP, on the opportunity of AI for Scotland, we wholeheartedly agree that Scotland is already well-placed to deliver on this with significant potential to benefit society for all and grow the economy.
“We see daily how AI can benefit all sectors, from health and social care to construction. The commitment to carry out the recommendations set out in the plan is significant and will help transform lives across the UK, supporting talent development, safe AI adoption and economic growth. Supporting the development and diversity of talent in AI is an important step to help meet the increasing demand for these skills. The creation of AI Growth Zones will also fuel innovation and growth and bringing these zones to Scotland would ensure new and innovative ideas continue to flourish.”
Heather’s comments feature in round-ups of the action plan by DIGIT and FutureScot