Innovation and ICT skills are interconnected, report confirms
In a report published today, the link between expert ICT skills and innovation is clearly established. This may seem obvious, but whilst there are a number of studies into the link between ICT skills and productivity there is no existing research which evidences the link with innovation.
The report commissioned by ScotlandIS, underlines the need to embed these skills throughout business, to support the development of a truly knowledge based economy.
Executive Director Polly Purvis said: "This report highlights the need for increased investment in expert ICT skills across the Scottish business community, to avoid an increasing gap between Scotland and comparable leading knowledge economies. Scotland has a great reputation for innovation, but we need to ensure we have the tools and skills to continue that tradition and not merely trade on past success."
She added: "Scotland needs to raise its game by focusing on these skills and providing the best environment to nurture this valuable talent and embed it in the heart of Scotland’s economy. Relying on offshore skills for this is a recipe for disaster."
The report by nmp, was co-sponsored by ScotlandIS, Cisco Scotland, Microsoft UK and Scottish Enterprise. Commenting on the findings Donald McLaughlin, Scotland General Manager of Cisco said "In the face of a dwindling working population in the longer term, strong innovation is vital in driving Scotland’s economy. I have grave concerns that we are missing out on this key economic driver. Our economy needs a shot in the arm. A stronger focus on technical innovation is the tonic it needs."
Raymond O’Hare, Regional Director of Microsoft in Scotland added: "If we cannot turn the tide back towards technology as an attractive career option, Scotland will have a poorer quality workforce, which ultimately results in a poorer Scotland. To provide for a longer term, flourishing economy, we need to work with our schools and universities to ensure they recognise the importance of including IT focussed courses in their curriculums, and that we provide the opportunity for adults to enhance their skills beyond formal education."
The report provides a baseline from which to examine the connection between high level ICT skills and innovation in more detail as indicated by Silvio Clemente, Innovation and ICT Manager at Scottish Enterprise who said: "The report findings demonstrate a strong correlation between businesses being innovative and having the right people in these businesses, with both ICT skills and an innovative attitude. Further work needs to be done so that we can better understand these links and make progress towards fostering a culture of innovation in Scotland. Stimulating innovation, in all its forms, is one of the areas that Scottish Enterprise is tasked with delivering and we’ll be working with our partners to understand how we can do this best."
Full press release here