Helping Scottish Businesses Harness the Transformative Potential of AI
Scottish Government launches support program to help businesses integrate or expand AI use, fostering innovation, market growth, and investment attraction.
The Scottish Government has launched a new £1 million programme to boost AI adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), marking the first initiative under the broader AI Scotland transformation effort.
This support, delivered by agencies like Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, The Data Lab, and the Scottish AI Alliance, provides tailored consultancy and grants to help businesses integrate or expand AI use, fostering innovation, market growth, and investment attraction.
SMEs can apply via the Find Business Support website.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead emphasized AI’s role in driving economic efficiency and workforce empowerment, stating it enables businesses “to work smarter, to innovate and empower and support its workforces.”
He highlighted the programme’s importance in equipping SMEs to explore AI for expansion and competitiveness.
Rhona Allison from Scottish Enterprise noted that while AI offers “immense” potential for productivity and competitiveness, 75% of Scottish SMEs currently lack AI plans, underscoring the need for practical guidance to overcome adoption barriers.
Key economic projections include a potential GDP boost for Scotland of £2.74 billion to £19.33 billion by 2035, based on Scottish Enterprise research.
The announcement, made during Scotland’s National Innovation Week, aligns with the 2025-26 Programme for Government commitment to AI Scotland—a collaborative platform uniting business, academia, agencies, and government.
A £16 BILLION Boost
As this news describes a PwC report projects that AI could add £16.7 billion to Scotland’s GDP by 2030—equivalent to an 8.4% boost. This potential is tempered by findings that 50% of Scottish businesses rate their data and AI literacy as moderate to low, based on a survey of over 500 business leaders, highlighting the importance of the Government support program.
High-priority areas include data analysis, cybersecurity, and machine learning. Anna Ashton-Scott, head of skills at The Data Lab, emphasized: “Data and AI skills are fundamental to workforce development, but our latest research shows that data literacy levels fall short of both current and future demand.”
UK businesses (including Scottish ones) spent an average of £236,000 on AI last year, with larger firms investing up to £400,000. Looking ahead, 68% plan to increase spending, 32% are hiring for AI roles now, and 42% intend to soon. Overall, businesses anticipate a 5.5% rise in investments next year, focusing on training, digital tools, and R&D.
