By Democrat reporter
Jackie Baillie has backed a move to transform Scotland into a “digital superpower”.
The Dumbarton constituency MSP has warned that businesses and public services are currently being hindered by Scotland’s outdated skills system.
It comes as Scottish Labour this week unveiled its new consultation paper on technology.
The party says that despite technology becoming an increasing important part of our economy, businesses are struggling to recruit workers with the necessary skills.
Data shows that the proportion of businesses who said staff are equipped to meet their digital technology needs fell from 37 per cent to just 21 per cent, between 2014 and 2021.
During that time, the number of employers struggling to hire staff with digital skills has rocketed.
A recent employer survey showed that in 2022 more than 11,000 employers with vacancies struggled to find an applicant with digital skills – more than three times more than in 2020, when 3,300 employers raised this concern.
Similarly, 6,400 employers reported struggling to find an applicant with advanced IT skills compared to 1,700 in 2020 – an almost fourfold increase.
Scottish Labour has now published the consultation document, which underpins plans to make Scotland a technological superpower.
It includes:
- Growing Scotland’s technology ecosystem
- Addressing digital exclusion in Scotland
- Driving uptake of technology across the economy
- Digital education and skills development
- Transforming public services and public administration through technology.
“There is no reason why Scotland should not become a world-leader on technology and Scottish Labour is determined to seize that opportunity.
“Technology can transform our economy, it can contribute to modernising our public services and it can boost growth – but we need a government which recognises that and the leadership to make it a reality.
“We need a skills system fit for the future to equip our workforce with the digital skills businesses are looking for and public services need.
“We need to improve digital skills across the board and ensure we have the right people with the specialist skills needed to make the most of the opportunities the industry can bring.
“Scottish Labour will overhaul Scotland’s skills system and work in partnership with businesses to unlock Scotland’s vast potential for technological advancement.”
https://www.gov.scot/publications/uk-employer-skills-survey-2022-scotland-report/documents/