AI adoption rises as tech firms remain optimistic – Daily Business

Karen Meechan: encouraged

A surge in AI adoption and increasing digital demand from the regulated and data-led industries are among the key findings in a new report on Scotland’s technology companies.

The survey from ScotlandIS shows optimism slightly lower than in previous years with a majority of 71% feeling positive compared with 73% in 2025 and 80% in 2024.

Cashflow pressures have eased, with 36% of businesses reporting improvement and only 11% experiencing substantial difficulties (down from 16% in 2024).

Growth is particularly strong in energy & utilities, financial services, and healthcare & pharmaceuticals – reflecting an increased demand for digital technology support in highly regulated and data-intensive industries.

AI continues to act as a central driver of innovation and growth, with almost all respondents now using the technology in some form.

Full adoption has doubled to 18%, while only 2% report no use at all (compared to 10% the previous year). Results around its use cases also indicate a clear shift from experimentation to implementation.

Karen Meechan, CEO at ScotlandIS said: “It’s encouraging to see optimism holding across Scotland’s tech sector, even as confidence levels ease slightly. The fundamentals are strong – businesses are growing, investing and continuing to innovate.

“Although it fell after the survey period, the unveiling of Scotland’s AI strategy will likely provide the sector with a further boost – bringing much needed clarity and direction.

“Of course, the outlook is not without its challenges. Companies are operating in a tougher, more complex environment, and that’s clearly shaping how they approach growth. But crucially, it doesn’t seem to be stalling it.

“In terms of practising what we preach, AI has a big role to play in this. One of the most significant shifts we’re seeing is the move from simple adoption to using the technology in ways that deliver real impact. I believe our businesses can be true innovators in this space.”

The Scottish Technology Industry Survey 2026 was conducted between 1 December 2025 and 14 February 2026. It received 347 responses in total, of which 251 were selected for analysis after discounting duplicates and unusable responses. The respondents included ScotlandIS members and non-members.

Factsheet

ScotlandIS members employ about 60,000 people. 

ScotlandIS members contribute about £4.7bn to Scotland’s GVA. 

6,500 people attended ScotlandIS events in 2019/2020. 

Scotland’s digital tech sector contributes about £7.5bn to Scotland’s GVA. 

13,000 digital tech job opportunities are created every year in Scotland, filling all of them would add £1bn to Scotland’s GVA. 

Scotland has 3,900 digital technologies companies. 

Scotland’s digital tech sector grows 1.5 times faster than overall economy. 

We are the 4th strongest export sector in Scotland, exporting more than £3.3bn. 

100,000 people work in digital technologies roles across the Scottish economy. 

Average annual salary of digital tech workers: £36,900 = 26% higher than average salary of all workers in Scotland.

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