As part of the global boom in artificial intelligence, Scotland has set up and invested in a new national body, AI Scotland. The government predicts that AI could have an economic impact of £23 billion a year by 2035.
The government aims to ensure a balance between economic growth and ethical considerations regarding AI.
Scottish AI Agency
Various projects that utilize the capabilities of AI have already begun across the country. 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 with their education management tasks.
Environmental projects include monitoring puffin populations with the help of drones and software to help firefighters detect toxins.
AI companies, both established and start-ups, are establishing a presence in Scotland. Wordsmith AI is developing legal technology solutions, while CoreWeave and DataVita are collaborating on an AI computing facility in Lanarkshire. The facility is valued at £2.5 billion and is recognized as one of the most advanced AI facilities in the world.
AI Pathfinder is funding the development of an industrial park at a project in Irvine, North Ayrshire, with the potential to generate £15bn of economic benefits for the local area.
Despite its potential benefits, AI technology poses ethical, privacy, and employment issues. The Scottish Government is working with trade unions to protect jobs and supporting responsible and ethical AI practices through the establishment of the Future of Jobs Panel to assess workforce effectiveness and skills development. The agency has developed ethical guidelines to deter inappropriate behavior.
