Digital and technology industries in Scotland
Digital technology is Scotland's fastest-growing sector for inward investment with centres of excellence for collaboration across cyber security, data, fintech, games, global business services, software and IT, space, and waste and wastewater technology.
Did you know?
Scotland’s tech sector has grown considerably in recent years. During 2021, there was a record £454 million of equity fundraising announcedopens in a new window, according to investment firm Beauhurst.
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10,395 registered businesses*
in the technology sector in 2021.
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15,000 graduates
each year in digital technology fields from Scotland’s universities.
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More than 83,000 people employed
across Scotland's digital and technology industries.
* VAT/PAYE registered businesses. Source: Technology sector export plan, Scottish Government, 2022opens in a new window
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Scotland's thriving tech industry
A hub of innovation
With hundreds of Scottish companies constantly pushing boundaries in innovation across the full spectrum of technology, Scotland’s digital and technology industries are thriving – growing one and half times faster than the overall economy.
Our innovation labs have been designed to encourage collaboration between companies, academic and public sector organisations. This means innovative products can be designed and tested in real world scenarios.
Poised as the data capital of Europe, Edinburgh is aiming to become the UK's top city for startups, with 92% growth potential, while Glasgow is one of the UK’s biggest tech investment hubs, according to Tech Nation.
Opportunities for your business
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Business services
With a proven track record in servicing global markets, and a world-class infrastructure, Scotland is the natural choice for global business services.
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Cyber security
With cutting-edge research, a connected tech innovation ecosystem and a vibrant community, Scotland is the smart and secure choice for your cyber security project.
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Data and data science
Scotland’s data science cluster currently has over 150 companies creating data-based products and solutions.
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Financial services and fintech
Scotland is the UK’s largest financial centre outside of London, making it a natural choice for established companies and startups alike.
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Games and creative industries
Scotland is the place for games developers, digital media, film and TV production thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities, creative talent and boundless opportunities.
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Software and IT
Access a dynamic and supportive ecosystem with some of the best tech talent and creative minds in Europe.
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Space technology
Scotland’s combination of manufacturing expertise, technological innovation and end-to-end capabilities make it uniquely able to harness the possibilities of space.
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Water and wastewater technology
With a track record of innovation and enterprise, abundant water resources and world-class research facilities, Scotland is the ideal living lab for water and wastewater projects.
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Data-driven innovation
Scotland's exciting future at the heart of the data science revolution
Scotland is investing £661 million into turning the capital city, Edinburgh, into the ‘Data Capital of Europe’.
This ambitious 10-year Data-Driven Innovation programme will work with partners in government, industry, and educational institutions to make Scotland the location of choice for data science startups and data science companies.
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Our people and skills
Access an exceptionally well educated, skilled and talented workforce.
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Investment opportunities
Not sure where in Scotland to set up your business? Depending on your sector, business type and needs, Scotland has it all.
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Scotland's tech expertise
Digital technologies are transforming every sector of the global economy, and Scotland’s long heritage of tech innovation is helping it lead the way.
Need help?
Got a question about the benefits of setting up your technology business in Scotland? Talk to our advisers.