11 AI in Scotland
PIONEERING PROGRESS : HOW SCOTLAND IS HARNESSING AI
Patrick Lamont
Patrick Lamont , business events policy engagement manager at VisitScotland Business Events , explores Scotland ’ s vision to become a global AI powerhouse
ince ChatGPT launched at the end of 2022 , it has touched almost every industry and sparked countless debates . It was one of the subjects discussed at VisitScotland Business Events ’ recent conference , ‘ Journey : The Business Events Conversation ’, with speakers commenting on its potential for enhanced delegate experiences , increased efficiencies , and greater personalisation .
As a land of innovation , Scotland has a long history of contributing to and embracing technological advancement , and its attitude to AI is no different . The country ’ s aim is to build an AI powerhouse with the goal of developing AI which supports a greener , fairer and more prosperous country for all . Alongside this , Scotland ’ s ambition is to create a dynamic and accessible environment where innovative thinking around AI thrives .
The Scottish AI Alliance is a partnership between The Data Lab and the Scottish government , and it is tasked with delivering Scotland ’ s country-level AI strategy . The Alliance has developed the Scottish AI Playbook , a practical guide to how Scotland does AI . It embodies Scotland ’ s AI strategy ’ s ethos of openness , transparency and collaboration .
AI for positive impact A great example of a Scottish business which is using AI to further the country ’ s sustainability goals is Edinburgh-based satellite data company Space Intelligence . Using remote sensing data to quantify forest biomass , Space Intelligence ’ s work has the potential to help address the climate emergency because some types of vegetation and land use store more carbon and are more beneficial to biodiversity than others .
Working with NatureScot , Space Intelligence has produced the country ’ s first-ever nationwide high-resolution habitat maps which can help us work out where to restore habitats .
Solid foundations There are many other examples across Scotland of organisations working on AI for socio-economic transformation , from early-stage detection of cancer to helping
www . conference-news . co . uk increase diversity and inclusion in sports , and measuring fish stocks .
Of course , AI is already driving change and innovation on a grand scale . Scotland ’ s AI strategy is different because it looks beyond the technology and focuses on AI ’ s role in society and what it can do for us . Scotland ’ s strategy also recognises that the use and adoption of AI should be on our terms if we are to build AI which is trusted .
The work that the Scottish AI Alliance and others is doing in helping to assure Scotland ’ s future as a leader in AI technologies is vital . World-renowned universities – including the University of Edinburgh , which is home to the AI Accelerator Programme – a thriving and engaged private and public sector , and a skilled and diverse workforce , means there are strong foundations to take on this challenge .
As a connected country , Scotland has an array of industry professionals and academics to support your events . VisitScotland Business Events ’ Transformation Protocol is a network of contacts in organisations across Scotland who have pledged to support VisitScotland elevate business events in Scotland to a new level . When you come to Scotland there is an opportunity to ensure that your leaders meet our leaders , that we can learn from one another and bring the expertise out of the auditorium and into partner organisations . CN