The plan sets out how people, businesses and public services can benefit from the technology, with independent analysis suggesting the AI sector could be worth £23 billion to the Scottish economy by 2035.

The strategy outlines increased support for businesses looking to expand their use of AI to develop new products and services, grow market share and create jobs and investment. Several initiatives are planned for the first year, including the establishment of an independent expert advisory board, the appointment of AI Champions to represent priority sectors and regions, an expanded AI adoption programme for businesses, a Future Jobs Panel to assess AI’s impact on the workforce, and an AI Leadership Academy.

Launching the strategy at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes described AI as “genuinely transformative” for every sector of the economy and for people from all backgrounds. She emphasised that the plan would harness the economic and social benefits of AI responsibly, translating Scotland’s innovation and expertise into businesses, jobs and investment.

Central to delivery will be AI Scotland, a body that will draw on the expertise of enterprise agencies, The Data Lab and other partners to co-ordinate an accelerated approach to ensuring Scotland’s economy and society benefits from the technology.