Small and medium-sized businesses in Scotland are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity, according to a recent survey by tech group ClearSky Logic. The poll revealed that 88% of SMEs identified productivity gains as their top priority for implementing AI, with more than half having already invested in the technology. These investments were primarily focused on IT systems, administration, and sales and marketing.
The findings of this survey suggest a positive trend towards AI adoption among Scottish businesses, despite concerns about potential job displacement. In contrast to global reports indicating potential layoffs due to AI automation, 70% of Scottish SMEs surveyed expressed confidence that AI would not lead to job losses. Instead, they view AI as a tool to support and streamline tasks, rather than replace human workers.
Ed Vickers, co-founder of Loop Agencies in Edinburgh, emphasized the evolving perception of AI in the workplace. He noted a shift from the fear of job replacement to a concern about falling behind in a rapidly changing landscape. Vickers highlighted AI as an essential tool for enhancing job performance, particularly in marketing, where it enables individuals to work more effectively.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the survey results indicate a growing interest in AI among Scottish SMEs, challenges remain in terms of adoption and implementation. A previous study by recruitment agency Hays revealed that only 23% of workers in Scotland were utilizing AI tools in their jobs, citing a lack of training and support as key barriers to increased adoption.
Darren Auld, CEO of ClearSky, acknowledged this discrepancy, emphasizing the importance of AI as a strategic asset for businesses seeking to innovate and stay competitive. He highlighted the transformative potential of AI in enabling businesses to scale and outperform rivals, underscoring the need for organizations to integrate AI into their corporate strategies.
As Scotland grapples with productivity challenges, AI emerges as a potential solution to improve economic output and business performance. The CBI and the Fraser of Allander Institute’s 2024 Scottish Productivity Index revealed that the country lags behind the UK average in several productivity indicators, including business investment. Tracy Black, CBI’s chief strategy officer, urged Scottish firms to embrace innovation and technology to enhance productivity levels and address skill shortages.
AI in Healthcare and Society
Beyond its economic implications, AI holds significant promise in addressing societal challenges, particularly in healthcare. Aakanksha Sadekar, CEO of Tracker.Health, highlighted the growing adoption of AI in digital health solutions globally, emphasizing the need for Scotland to keep pace with AI advancements. She noted the potential for AI to revolutionize community care by predicting health issues and reducing hospital admissions among the elderly.
Carsten Jung, head of artificial intelligence at the IPPR, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on the economy and society, calling for political action to address its implications. Jung underscored the need to steer AI towards solving societal problems and establishing clear goals for its use. He emphasized that AI is not merely a tool but an active agent that can reshape jobs, create new opportunities, and drive innovation in products and services.
In conclusion, the growing adoption of AI among Scottish SMEs reflects a shift towards embracing technology as a catalyst for productivity and innovation. While challenges persist in terms of training and support, the potential benefits of AI in enhancing business performance and addressing societal issues are significant. As businesses and policymakers navigate the evolving landscape of AI, strategic investments and a proactive approach to technology adoption will be essential to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence.
