Supporting businesses to harness AI
A national programme helping Scottish companies capitalise on the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) has received funding for its second year.
Backed by £1.8 million of continued funding, AI Scotland will help small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to develop new products and services, grow market share and attract new investment. The Programme offers support such as mentoring, workshops and grant funding to help businesses identify AI opportunities, plan AI implementation and develop and test AI solutions tailored to their needs.
This funding builds on last year’s National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs which received funding of £1 million and helped more than 1,000 business.
The programme for SMEs is delivered by our enterprise agencies including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as well as Business Gateway and The Data Lab – Scotland's innovation centre for data and artificial intelligence.
Speaking at Border Biscuits in Lanark, Innovation Minister Ben Macpherson said:
“Ensuring our businesses have the skills to identify appropriate AI opportunities – and adopt new technologies safely and in line with Fair Work principles – will help drive sustainable growth across the economy and futureproof Scotland's businesses.
“The vast majority of Scottish businesses are SMEs. The continuation of this programme means that even more of them will have access to the tools and expertise they need to help grow, innovate and flourish.”
Border Biscuits, an award-winning family business based in Lanark. The company adopted AI to increase productivity in their operations through improved data analysis, strengthening production line monitoring systems, and bolstered sales forecasting.
Theresa Swayne, team leader – digital economy at HIE said:
“Artificial Intelligence has the potential to help businesses improve efficiency, boost productivity and unlock new opportunities for growth. We are keen to hear from organisations across the Highlands and Islands that are interested in exploring how AI could support their ambitions. Through the AI Scotland programme, businesses can access expert advice, mentoring and support to help understand the opportunities and risks, and take practical steps towards adopting AI in a way that works for them.”
Alex Sano-Davies, Sales Director for Border Biscuits said:
“Since introducing AI, I’ve been really impressed by what it can do. It has been a great learning experience, and we continue to discover new ways to help us work smarter and more efficiently.
We’re very grateful to the Scottish Government for its support and for the ongoing training opportunities available to Border Biscuits. As an SME, this support has helped us embrace new technology, improve efficiencies and give our team the tools and confidence to work in new and innovative ways.”
Rhona Allison, Managing Director of Company Growth & Scaling Innovation at Scottish Enterprise, said: "AI is creating new opportunities for businesses to innovate, compete and increase productivity. Adoption is accelerating, but many companies still need support to move from experimentation to meaningful business impact.
“This programme is about helping businesses turn potential into action. By giving companies, the confidence and capability to adopt and scale AI, we can help more Scottish businesses boost productivity, sharpen competitiveness and unlock new opportunities for growth."
Scotland’s AI Strategy is the Government’s five-year plan to harness the potential of AI to drive responsible and inclusive growth across the economy and make a positive difference at every level of society.
The Strategy focuses on supporting sustainable growth and strengthening public services while ensuring that Scotland remains competitive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
The AI Adoption Programme for SMEs is delivered by our Enterprise Agencies, Business Gateway and The Data Lab – Scotland's innovation centre for data and artificial intelligence.
Background
Businesses can access support through the programme from 19 August. More information can be found on the AI Scotland website: National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs - AI Scotland
GC Insights has estimated that with the right investment and leadership across the Scottish economy, there is scope for AI to generate more than an additional £23 billion in annual GDP by 2035.