Digital Dundee – Scotland’s Digital Powerhouse

In their Digital Strategy Plan Dundee City Council defines how they aim to transform Dundee into a leading digital hub by enhancing services, infrastructure, and citizen engagement through technology.

It describes how this local initiative aligns with the overall National Digital strategy for Scotland, demonstrating how the Council is working in synergy with the National priorities as these evolve over time.

Invest in Dundee believes the city is Scotland’s digital powerhouse, boasting deep enterprise and skills initiatives across sectors from gaming to cybersecurity.

Digital Dundee – A Legacy of Reinvention

Once renowned for its jute, jam, and journalism, Dundee is now carving out a bold new identity as a global hub for digital innovation. The city’s transformation is not just a story of technology—it’s a testament to human ingenuity, community spirit, and a relentless drive to shape a brighter future. Welcome to Digital Dundee, where the past inspires, and the future is being built today.

Dundee’s history is one of resilience and adaptation. From its industrial roots in textiles to its emergence as a creative powerhouse, the city has always embraced change.

Today, that legacy is being channelled into a digital revolution. Dundee’s compact size belies its outsized impact, with a vibrant ecosystem of tech startups, world-class universities, and creative industries converging to redefine what a modern city can be.

At the heart of this transformation is a commitment to harnessing technology for good. From gaming giants to cutting-edge biotech, Dundee is proving that a city doesn’t need to be a metropolis to lead on the global stage. It’s a place where ideas are born, tested, and scaled, fuelled by a community that dares to dream big.

The Power of Collaboration

What sets Dundee apart is its collaborative spirit. The city’s universities—Abertay and Dundee—are powerhouses of innovation, producing talent that drives industries forward. Abertay, often hailed as the birthplace of modern video gaming education, has nurtured creators behind global hits like Grand Theft Auto.

Meanwhile, the University of Dundee’s pioneering work in life sciences and digital health is pushing boundaries in how technology can improve lives; they have a vision to transform to a truly digital community, and Dundee and Angus College describe the importance of embracing digital.

Local businesses, too, are at the forefront. From indie game studios to AI-driven startups, Dundee’s entrepreneurial ecosystem thrives on shared knowledge and support. Organizations like CodeBase Dundee and the Dundee Tech Hub foster connections, providing spaces where innovators can collide, collaborate, and create.

This isn’t a city of silos—it’s a community where ideas flow freely, sparking solutions that resonate far beyond the Tay.

A City Built for the Future

Dundee’s digital transformation is about more than code and circuits—it’s about people. The city’s investment in digital infrastructure, from high-speed connectivity to smart city initiatives, is laying the groundwork for a future where technology empowers everyone.

Projects like the Dundee Waterfront redevelopment are blending urban renewal with digital innovation, creating spaces that inspire creativity and connectivity.

Education is also key. Dundee’s schools and colleges are embedding digital literacy into their curricula, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to thrive in a tech-driven world. Initiatives like the Dundee Digital Skills Academy are bridging gaps, offering training and opportunities to diverse communities, from young coders to career-switchers. In Dundee, the future isn’t just for the tech elite—it’s for everyone.

Dundee’s Digital Fortnight, organized by Dundee City Council in collaboration with partners like Abertay University, Dundee University, Dundee & Angus College, AWS and Waracle, aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in the city’s thriving digital and technology sectors.

Launched to address the growing demand for tech skills, the initiative showcases opportunities in fields like gaming, app development, and cybersecurity.

Spearheaded by tech entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl, co-founder of 4J Studios and Principal of Chroma Ventures, the event encourages students to engage with Dundee’s digital industries through hands-on activities and exposure to career pathways. The fortnight highlights the city’s ambition to build a future-ready workforce by fostering digital skills and creativity.

Leading with Purpose

What makes Dundee’s digital evolution truly inspiring is its focus on purpose-driven innovation. The city is home to projects that tackle global challenges, from climate tech to healthcare solutions. For example, local startups are developing AI tools to improve medical diagnostics, while others are creating sustainable tech to reduce carbon footprints. Dundee isn’t just chasing trends—it’s using technology to make a meaningful difference.

This ethos extends to the city’s cultural scene. Digital art installations, immersive storytelling, and virtual reality experiences are redefining how Dundee engages with its heritage and shares it with the world. The V&A Dundee, a stunning symbol of the city’s creative ambition, is a hub for digital creativity, blending art, design, and technology in ways that captivate and inspire.

A Call to Action

Dundee’s story is a call to action for cities everywhere: embrace change, invest in people, and dare to innovate. Digital Dundee isn’t just about what’s happening now—it’s about what’s possible tomorrow. The city’s transformation shows that with vision, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusivity, any community can shape its future.

As Dundee continues to evolve, it invites the world to join in. Whether you’re a coder, a creator, a dreamer, or simply someone who believes in the power of progress, Dundee has a place for you. This is a city that’s not just changing for the future—it’s building it, one bold idea at a time.

So, come to Dundee. Be part of the revolution. The future is digital, and Dundee is leading the way.