Welcome to the weekly Futurescot Newsletter
Keeping you up-to-date with news and analysis across the public technology and innovation sector.
In the news this week, we bring you the story of AI stands to benefit government services if adopted at scale. “Automation of repetitive bureaucratic tasks is where I think the big opportunity area lies,” says Dr Jonathan Bright, head of AI for public services and head of online safety at the Alan Turing Institute. MORE▸
Read our coverage in full below, as well as the rest of our tech stories from the week. Don't forget to get in touch with your stories at Kevin@futurescot.com or send a tweet or DM to @futurescot_news, and please share with your colleagues.
AI
Health board's winter pressures AI hope
A Scottish health board has deployed AI on patients with a chronic lung condition in a bid to ease “winter pressures” on hospitals. NHS Lothian has used the technology to work out how many of the 25,000 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in its region are at risk of deterioration and potential hospital admission. MORE▸
Six pillars for smooth AI adoption
Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a niche research field to a powerful force transforming industries globally. A recent study by Sopra Steria Next, predicts that the global AI market will reach $1.27 trillion by 2028. [Partner Content]. MORE▸
DATA
Can barriers be taken down in data debate?
Questions and concerns around the sharing and re-use of public data has been a “barrier” to improving public services, according to the Scottish Government’s chief data officer. Tom Wilkinson made the point at the latest round of CivTech, the Scottish Government’s innovation accelerator scheme to building better public services.
Wilkinson was part of the launch for CivTech 10.7 – looking at how technology can deliver high-quality, efficient, and scalable participation in Scottish Government decisions. MORE▸
CULTURE
Edinburgh charts the path for a creative future
For a government funded programme that has come to an end, the future for the digital arts creatives it brought together looks bright. The curtain may have closed on Creative Informatics programme, but its legacy – as the launchpad of a cluster of technology curious artists – looks set to endure. “It was unique from the offset, an experiment, if you like,” enthuses Professor Melissa Terras, director of the programme. [Partner Content] MORE▸
STARTUPS
Budget uplift will help support women entrepreneurs
Ministers will spend 50 per cent more on entrepreneurship, innovation and social enterprise in Scotland next year – including £4 million to expand the number of women business leaders. A package of measures to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses will be delivered next year with funding in the draft Scottish Budget 2025/26.
As part of £15 million investment, at least £4 million will be invested to expand the number of women entrepreneurs by providing tailored support at the earliest stages of business creation. MORE▸
ROBOTICS
Build it here: Scotland's £321m robotics opportunity
Scotland stands at a pivotal moment in its technological evolution. The Scottish Government’s recent £321 million commitment to enterprise agencies supporting emerging technologies, including AI and robotics, represents more than just another funding announcement – it’s an opportunity to fundamentally transform Scotland’s role in the global robotics revolution. As CEO of the National Robotarium, I see daily how Scotland’s world-class capabilities in robotics and AI are already driving innovation. MORE▸
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QUANTUM
Quantum computing boost for Scotland
Quantum computing and photonics in Scotland has been boosted with a new university funding programme for projects including devices for more accurate timing, ultra-secure encryption, and retinal monitoring. The Photonics and Quantum Accelerator (PQA) unites researchers from the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt and St Andrews with local authorities and industry bodies. MORE▸
EDUCATION
School 'blown away' by windfarm operator laptops donation
A South Lanarkshire school has been ‘blown away’ by the generosity of a local windfarm operator which donated £6,500 towards a pupil laptop fund. Newfield Primary School has received a significant boost from OnPath Energy’s (formerly Banks Renewables) Kype Muir Community Partnership (KMCP), enabling the school to purchase 30 top-of-the-range laptops. MORE▸
A South Lanarkshire school has been ‘blown away’ by the generosity of a local windfarm operator which donated £6,500 towards a pupil laptop fund. Newfield Primary School has received a significant boost from OnPath Energy’s (formerly Banks Renewables) Kype Muir Community Partnership (KMCP), enabling the school to purchase 30 top-of-the-range laptops. MORE▸
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
Optimising Microsoft licensing together
A new Futurescot campaign, in partnership with Brightsolid, is set to bring to light the often-overlooked complexities of Microsoft licensing and the significant financial opportunities hidden within proper management and optimisation. This initiative seeks to raise awareness among public sector and corporate leaders in Scotland about the potential cost savings and operational benefits they can achieve by understanding and addressing their Microsoft licensing structures.
Futurescot supports Public Sector Innovation award
Futurescot is sponsoring the Public Sector Innovation award at the annual Digital Technology Awards, hosted by Scotland's technology trade body, ScotlandIS. The awards ceremony takes place on March 20, 2025, in Glasgow and applications close on January 9. If you're involved in public sector innovation, please do consider applying. Apply Here
BRIEFINGS
The Care Inspectorate is seeking feedback on a toolkit for a rights-based approach to digital care
The Care Inspectorate have produced a draft self-evaluation tool which aims to support and promote people’s rights through the use of technology. Designed for social care services, its purpose is to provide a framework for assessing how well a service is doing in a range of key areas related to technology. MORE▸
Take-up of satellite broadband has nearly doubled in Scotland
Starlink connections in Scotland have increased from 6,000 to 11,000. The technology offers the potential to bring connectivity to areas where building fixed or mobile connections is traditionally challenging. MORE▸
Aberdeen begins analogue to digital switch for telecare
Aberdeen City Council has taken action to switch its telecare services from analogue to digital landlines. It has joined the Shared Alarm Receiving Centre (Shared ARC) platform, working in partnership with Bon Accord Care and health and social care partnerships in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray. MORE▸
PUBLIC SECTOR IT CONTRACTS
Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre launches smart housing proof-of-concept
The University of Strathclyde's Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is embarking on a proof-of-concept project to create a low carbon, modular smart home exemplar with a focus on digital independent living innovations for remote and rural settings. MORE▸
North Ayrshire Council awards managed security operations centre software contract
North Ayrshire Council has awarded a £231,000 contract to Chesterfield-based Proact IT UK Ltd for the provision of Managed Security Operations Centre Software. MORE▸
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