ScotlandIS

The digital technologies industry in Scotland employs over 70,000 people, offering a wide range of skills and professional services from niche specialised companies to global players. Digital technologies underpin modern business and is critical to Scotland’s economic success. ScotlandIS is the trade body for the digital technologies industry in Scotland, representing software, IT, telecommunications businesses and digital agencies, from multinationals with a Scottish base to start-ups. It networks the industry through a range of events, including its annual conference ScotSoft and the Digital Technology Awards. At a practical business development level ScotlandIS has built strong links across the industry helping large companies build their supply chains through access to smaller, innovative companies, and supported smaller companies to connect up with the majors. A particular focus has been encouraging the public sector to buy from locally based businesses. ScotlandIS has been the driving force behind the development of the ICT and Digital Technologies Skills Investment Plan, published by SDS and now in the early stage of delivery. This aims to reinforce and improve all aspects of the skills pipeline, from the schools curriculum to work place skills development. In addition the team at ScotlandIS undertake industry specific research such as the annual Scottish Technology Industry Survey, salary data and end market research. They also lobby policy makers and government on industry issues, for example connectivity and infrastructure improvements, and are viewed as a trusted source of information, providing a strong industry voice.