In the 10 years since setting up FarrPoint we’ve been lucky enough to be involved with the rapid innovation and uptake of digital technology in Scotland.

In the not so distant past it was fairly well known that the country faced a unique set of challenges, not least geographic, when it came to the rollout of any new technology. The telephone may have been around for over a hundred years but it took us some time to get full coverage. Imagine then the problems that providing full and reliable broadband or 4G/5G service to our entire population brings.

The positive news is that we are now getting to a good place. The Scottish Government has been quick to realise that digital is the way ahead for us as a nation and we’ve seen initiatives such as R100, the rollout of broadband to 100% of our nation including those hard to reach rural areas. The opportunities and benefits of improved connectivity for individuals, small businesses and corporations alike cannot be overstated and the potential uplift to our economy is huge.

Digital Strategy

The recently launched digital strategy aims to put Scotland at the forefront of the coming 5G rollout. This is an area where Scotland could excel and become a world leader given the number of digital technology SMEs and startups springing up on a seemingly daily basis.

There are plans for more low power wide area networks across the nation. These are the stepping stones required for us to take advantage of internet of things technology. This will enable devices to talk to each other and make our villages, town and cities even smarter than they already are.

One of the advances is the uptake of digital technology by the public sector. It is no exaggeration to say that Scotland leads the UK when it comes to technology enabled care and we are in the forefront globally. The use of digital communication and internet enabled devices in the home has reduced costs whilst ensuring that the best possible care continues to be given. Conversely patients can take advantage of telecare features in the comfort of their own homes.

Public Sector

The public sector in Scotland has been quick to take advantage of new technology and we’ve helped them to select the most effective equipment for sometime now. There is now a need to keep up with new innovations and demands. As the public becomes increasingly tech savvy they will expect to do all their business online, including any interaction with the council and local government. Keeping up with new technology not only meets the needs of the residents but improved efficiency saves substantial amounts of money over time.

Over the past decade we’ve watched Scotland’s pioneering spirit in innovation and the application of digital technology and are proud to have been a part of it. There are still challenges ahead, our educational needs and the much discussed skills gap for example, but we believe that Scotland is on the right track and will continue to push forward as a digital pioneer.