Presenters: Sara Dodd (Net resources Ltd) and Wendy McDougall (MD, 9-20 recruitment).

Synopsis:
This debate, chaired by Tom McEwan (Edinburgh Napier University), is an annual event where BCS Edinburgh bring together two experts in the field to illuminate a topical area of IT professionalism. This year we investigate the availability of skills to allow Scottish companies to exploit the potential of e-Commerce and e-Business.

Five to ten years ago Scottish Enterprise tried to foster e-Commerce and e-Business in Scotland, and universities offered degrees in these areas. Then the e-phenomenon waned, and businesses routinely used these technologies. However exploitation of this route to market (and to exports) in Scotland remains surprisingly low, especially by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Even if SMEs do commission e-business systems and e-commerce web-sites, they often lack the skilled staff to maintain and develop these, although there have been some notable local success stories. This evening’s debate explores:

• How can we support SMEs to exploit e-commerce more effectively;
• What courses, degrees and continuing professional development (CPD) would help;
• What can the professional bodies do with e-Skills etc to get shared understanding of the scope and requirements for relevant job roles?

Presenters: Sara Dodd (Net resources Ltd) and Wendy McDougall (MD, 9-20 recruitment).