Plans to establish Scotland as one of Europe’s leading tech startup locations continue to gather pace, according to the Scottish Government.

During a parliamentary session yesterday, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes gave an update on how the government is implementing recommendations outlined in the 2020 Scottish technology ecosystem review.

£45 million in funding has been allocated to support the plans, which aim to transform the country into “one of Europe’s leading economies to start or grow a technology business”.

Speaking to parliament, Forbes said: “The Scottish Government is committed to the most radical reforms of the Scottish entrepreneurial system since devolution. Our ambition is to establish Scotland as one of Europe’s leading startup economies.

“A key ambition in our strategy to transform the economy is to help establish Scotland as a world-class entrepreneurial country, founded on a culture that encourages, promotes and celebrates entrepreneurial activity.”

Supporting the Scottish Tech Sector

Forbes highlighted progress already made on implementing recommendations from the Review – noting that arrangements are being finalised for the launch of five new ‘Tech Scaler’ hubs.

The scaler hubs will be located around the country, and it is hoped they could help create more than 300 high quality startups.

Crucially, they will offer mentorship and support to budding entrepreneurs and help to ensure new and existing tech innovators have access to “high quality commercial education”.

Forbes commented: “These game-changing tech scalers will deliver one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive state-funded environments in Europe for the creation and growth of startups.

“Tech scalers will put Scotland on the global startup map and we will promote their services relentlessly to attract the world’s best talent to scale up their businesses in Scotland.

Forbes also gave an update on the progress of the Scottish Tech Ecosystem Fund. The £1 million programme provides support for organisations to host meet-ups and ecosystem events.

Since it was established in October, the Fund has made 34 awards to deliver meet-ups, events and other projects.

Addressing Skills Shortages

The Finance Secretary revealed that the Scottish Government is investing heavily in education and reskilling initiatives.

This includes investing more than £1 million in new devices and equipment to support computing science teaching. Efforts are also being made to appoint teachers capable of driving improvements in equipment and training.

Similarly, £1.5 million has been allocated to drive reskilling, including support for those on low incomes to develop digital skills.

Scotland’s tech trade body, ScotlandIS, welcomed the announcement as a positive step for the growth of the Scottish tech sector.

Chief Executive Karen Meechan commented: “Today’s announcement marks a further step-change in the Scottish Government’s support to grow the nation’s tech ecosystem.

“The investment in new teachers and reskilling is particularly welcome given the recruitment challenges that many are facing in the sector. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to deliver these proposals as soon as practical.”

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A Chief Entrepreneur Officer will also soon be appointed in the Scottish Government to help ensure entrepreneurship ambitions are embedded in policy development.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Logan said: “These coordinated initiatives are part of the most significant strategic investment in Scotland’s high-technology industry ever seen in Scotland.

“Together, they create the perfect environment for starting and scaling technology-based businesses, with the many opportunities for our people that will result from that. It’s a very exciting time for the sector.”