The Digital Economy Skills Group is the industry and public sector partnership aiming to enhance the country’s digital capabilities.

As the new chair, Lepper, who’s Head of Cloud Commercial and Optimisation at education software company Tribal, takes over from Ross Tuffee.

Tuffee has spent the last three years at the head of DESG, working with 25 other members to influence the delivery of the vital digital skills that are needed in Scotland.

Lepper’s appointment comes at a time when the potential impacts of technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning on jobs and skills dominate headlines.

“The world is changing and changing fast. Even I find it hard to keep up sometimes!” said Lepper.

“My job and that of the DESG is to make sure we shape and nurture our country’s future talent so we can exploit opportunities offered by new technology such as AI, augmented reality, cloud computing and robotics.

“I want to see a Scotland where technology is accessible to all, and the opportunities it presents are recognised on a global scale as fair & equal, irrespective of background, gender or individuality.”

Phil Ford, the Head of Digital Economy and Financial Services at SDS, also said: “Cameron is a long-standing member of the DESG so he knows exactly what needs to be done, and he can hit the ground running.

“I look forward to working with him and the other amazing DESG partners to implement our recently launched five-year Digital Economy Skills Action Plan.”

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Last month, DIGIT reported on the news that 67% of Scots SMEs report skill shortages — especially tech skills.

To help bridge the tech skills gap, Skills Development Scotland launched its Digital Economy Skills Action Plan (DESAP), which is a “call to action” shaped by industry partners including The Data Lab and Scottish Enterprise.

The plan outlined many beneficial actions to be undertaken, and highlighted five priority action areas which include creating a digital skills pipeline for young people, improving the evidence base of current and future digital economy skills needs, and bolstering SMB digital leadership skills.

To read the Digital Economy Skills Action Plan in full, click here.