<\/p>\n
Karen Meechan: encouraged<\/p>\n
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\u2019s technology companies. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Cashflow pressures have eased, with 36% of businesses reporting improvement and only 11% experiencing substantial difficulties (down from 16% in 2024).<\/p>\n
Growth is particularly strong in energy & utilities, financial services, and healthcare & pharmaceuticals \u2013 reflecting an increased demand for digital technology support in highly regulated and data-intensive industries.<\/p>\n
AI continues to act as a central driver of innovation and growth, with almost all respondents now using the technology in some form. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Karen Meechan, CEO at ScotlandIS\u00a0said: \u201cIt\u2019s encouraging to see optimism holding across Scotland\u2019s tech sector, even as confidence levels ease slightly. The fundamentals are strong \u2013 businesses are growing, investing and continuing to innovate.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough it fell after the survey period, the unveiling of Scotland\u2019s AI strategy will likely provide the sector with a further boost \u2013 bringing much needed clarity and direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, the outlook is not without its challenges. Companies are operating in a tougher, more complex environment, and that\u2019s clearly shaping how they approach growth. But crucially, it doesn\u2019t seem to be stalling it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of practising what we preach, AI has a big role to play in this. One of the most significant shifts we\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Scottish Technology Industry Survey 2026 was conducted between 1 December 2025 and 14\u00a0February 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.<\/p>\n
Factsheet<\/p>\n
ScotlandIS members employ about 60,000 people.\u00a0<\/p>\n
ScotlandIS members contribute about \u00a34.7bn to Scotland\u2019s GVA.\u00a0<\/p>\n
6,500 people attended ScotlandIS events in 2019\/2020.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scotland\u2019s digital tech sector contributes about \u00a37.5bn to Scotland\u2019s GVA.\u00a0<\/p>\n
13,000 digital tech job opportunities are created every year in Scotland, filling all of them would add \u00a31bn to Scotland\u2019s GVA.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scotland has 3,900 digital technologies companies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scotland\u2019s digital tech sector grows 1.5 times faster than overall economy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We are the 4th strongest export sector in Scotland, exporting more than \u00a33.3bn.\u00a0<\/p>\n
100,000 people work in digital technologies roles across the Scottish economy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Average annual salary of digital tech workers: \u00a336,900 = 26% higher than average salary of all workers in Scotland.<\/p>\n
\t #adoption #rises #tech #firms #remain #optimistic #Daily #Business<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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