Scottish Government gives £7m digital boost to SMEs
The Scottish Government has announced a £7m funding package to improve the digital connectivity of businesses, enabling them to better adapt to new technology.
This funding will complement the existing outlay of enterprise agencies and dovetails with a wider ‘digital future’ strategy outlined by the government in March.
Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “It is vital that businesses across Scotland have access to the latest cutting edge technologies to enable them to thrive and compete internationally.
“Already, Scotland has world class strengths in areas like renewables and life sciences, and I want our digital industry to be a similar driving force for this country. But we also need to do more to ensure that our computing skills continue to lead the world, that we continue to innovate and that digital businesses of all sizes are encouraged to develop in our country.
“Investment in our digital economy will boost jobs, transform our businesses, raise productivity and open up new markets to attract inward investment.
“It will also change the way that we live – from the way we book holidays to the way we access health care. We are committed to ensuring that all of Scotland is able to reap the social and cultural benefits of the internet.
“Technology and access to high speed internet is a vital part of Scotland’s infrastructure, and that is why we are committed to delivering a world class digital infrastructure to the people of Scotland by 2020."
Polly Purvis, executive director of ScotlandIS added: “This is great news for Scotland's business community. Digital technologies are transforming businesses, and harnessed effectively allow them to punch above their weight, accessing a much wider marketplace through e-commerce and the web, improving productivity, and reducing costs.”