ScotlandIS, the trade body and cluster management organisation for Scotland’s digital technology sector, has today launched its manifesto for 2026.
The manifesto is designed to help inform the strategic priorities of government, industry, and academia, providing insight drawn from collaboration across Scotland’s vibrant tech ecosystem.
It is intended as a strategic companion to Scotland’s key initiatives, including the National Innovation Strategy, the Digital, Data and AI Strategy, and wider innovation and economic strategies, helping ensure that policy, investment, and action are fully aligned with the needs of the sector.
Building on the successes of previous manifestos, this edition highlights the opportunities and challenges facing Scotland’s tech sector today, offering clear recommendations to unlock innovation, strengthen digital resilience, and establish an inclusive, globally competitive digital economy. By connecting stakeholders, amplifying insight, and advocating for practical solutions, this manifesto seeks to drive real, measurable impact across Scotland’s digital landscape.
ScotlandIS CEO, Karen Meechan, commented: “Scotland’s tech sector is brimming with innovation and ambition, but to reach its full potential, we need bold action from the next government. The pace of AI adoption is accelerating fast, and that brings a real need for the right digital infrastructure, strong sustainability measures, and a workforce with the right skills to support it. Get this right, and Scotland can lead in emerging technologies and attract even more investment. Our recommendations lay out practical, clear steps to help our members and the wider Scottish tech ecosystem to grow, compete, and thrive.”
The manifesto launch coincides with the culmination of the recent ScotlandIS Board Elections, seeking to appoint new members from a start-up, a scale-up and an established SME to fill three vacancies.
The board members were chosen by the ScotlandIS membership out of an overall 17 contenders, with the newly elected candidates as follows:
- Start-Up: Rebecca Bowden, Co-Founder, Sales Excellence Advisors Ltd
- Scale-Up: William Wright, CEO, Closed Door Security
- Established SME: Peter Proud, CEO & Founder, Forrit
Speaking on the appointments, Karen said: “We’re thrilled to welcome our new Board members and look forward to drawing on their wide-ranging expertise as they help guide and support ScotlandIS’ mission. This year’s appointments attracted a lot of interest, and it’s fantastic to see so many members keen to get involved and use their voices to represent and support Scotland’s technology community.”
You can read the full ScotlandIS 2026 Manifesto here.