Scotland is putting its stake into action as part of a global boom in artificial intelligence with the establishment of a new national agency, AI Scotland. The government has estimated that AI could add £23bn a year to the economy by 2035.
The government aims to ensure a balance between economic growth and ethical considerations regarding AI.
Scotland’s AI Agency
Various projects already exist across the country to harness the capabilities of AI. For example, the University of Edinburgh is working on a device that could help opticians identify early signs of dementia through images of the retina. AI systems are also helping teachers in administrative tasks in education.
Environmental projects include monitoring puffin populations with the help of drones, as well as software to help firefighters detect toxins.
AI companies from both established businesses and new startups are establishing their presence in Scotland. Wordsmith is developing AI legal technology solutions, while Corewave and Datavita are collaborating on an AI computing facility in Lanarkshire, which is valued at £2.5 billion and recognized as one of the most advanced AI facilities in the world.
AI Pathfinder is funding an industrial park development for its project in Irvine, North Ayrshire, which has the potential to generate £15 billion of economic benefits for the local area.
AI technology, despite its potential benefits, brings ethical, privacy and employment issues. The Scottish Government supports responsible and ethical AI practices through collaboration with unions to safeguard employment and the establishment of the Future Jobs Panel which evaluates workforce impacts and skills development. The agency creates ethical guidelines that help prevent inappropriate behavior.
