On 4 February, techUK’s Head of Nations & Regions, Matt Robinson, and Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, Stephanie Barr, attended the launch of Scottish Labour’s technology consultation.
Opening the event at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, party leader Anas Sarwar MSP acknowledged the important role technology can play in driving economic growth and public service reform, and improving our quality of life.
Sarwar, who was joined by Daniel Johnson MSP, stressed that there are many success stories across the Scottish tech sector but also noted that it was being held back by a number of factors, and believes government must “take an even more ambitious approach to technology”.
The consultation document looks at how this can be done, and focuses on:
Developing Scotland’s technology ecosystem
Addressing digital exclusion in Scotland
Driving uptake of technology across the economy
Enhancing digital education and skills development
Infusing technology into government and public sector reform and delivery
Growing Scotland’s technology ecosystem
The technology sector contributes approximately £6bn to the economy. The consultation document recognises the need to support sector growth through skills development, infrastructure and strategic investment; themes which were focused on in techUK’s Local Digital Index which was published in December 2024.
The consultation seeks views on how we can improve “tech readiness” and retain talent; types of investment available to tech companies and support provided by agencies; and barriers to effective collaboration between technology firms and educational institutions.
Addressing digital exclusion in Scotland
Approximately 800,000 people face digital inequality in Scotland, with geography, income and age all having an impact.
The consultation seeks views on how we can bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas; solutions for those living with a disability; and how digital skills training can be provided through the development of partnerships between business, educational institutions and nonprofits.
Driving uptake of technology across the economy
Driving uptake of technology – including AI and e-commerce – enhances innovation, growth and productivity. Many businesses, particularly SMEs, struggle with this though.
The consultation therefore seeks views on barriers to tech adoption by SMEs; where AI has been used successfully to boost productivity; and how enterprise agencies, universities and government can drive tech uptake.
Digital education and skills development
Skills and education are themes which feed through all aspects of the consultation, with discussion around digital skills within the national curriculum and the importance of ensuring that the system meets the needs of business and the economy.
The consultation seeks views on how tech can be embedded into education to improve learning outcomes; AI within the classroom; and how we can best utilise business expertise.
Transforming public services and public administration through technology
Scotland’s public sector is under strain. Tech and data driven decision making has the potential to reduce some of the pressure, by improving access to services and streamlining admin processes.
The consultation seeks views on how we can attract, and also train, a workforce that can effectively use technology; the role of predictive modelling and data analytics; and opportunities from emerging tech.
Speaking after the event, Head of Nations & Regions, Matt Robinson, said:
“It was a pleasure to attend the launch of Scottish Labour’s technology consultation to hear more from Anas Sarwar MSP and Daniel Johnson MSP about the party’s ambitions for the sector.
The consultation covers a number of important areas, including investment, skills and digital adoption, and we would encourage our members to feed in their thoughts on how and where improvements can be made.
This is a sector which is growing and has huge potential in Scotland – whether that’s in terms of the economy or public sector reform. Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, it is crucial that all political parties recognise this and place it at the heart of their plans for government.”
techUK's Nations and Regions team were also joined by techUK members including BT Group, Pulsant, KPMG, Leidos and others. There will be opportunities for techUK members to be involved in further sessions including on skills and public service reforms. If you’d like to attend future sessions, please contact [email protected]
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience across the nations and regions. Visit the programme page here
Local Digital Index 2024
Read our analysis of digital ecosystems across the UK in 2024.
We are thrilled to present highlights from techUK's Nations and Regions programme of work over the past year, showcasing our key achievements, valuable insights, and defining moments. This year has been marked by meaningful discussions, impactful events, and collaborative initiatives—none of which would have been possible without your engagement and support.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
