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ScotlandIS welcomes CBI report

Hi-Tech Scotland reporter | Wednesday July 09, 2008



ScotlandIS Chair, Eddie Chance, has welcomed the publication of the CBI's report "UK Competitiveness: The Role of IT Services".

Commenting on the report Eddie Chance said : "Information Technology (ICT) is a major contributor to economic growth, accounting for almost half of productivity growth in Europe in the last decade. Recent research* shows that the continued adoption and exploitation of ICT has the potential to generate an additional £2.8bn GVA for the Scottish economy over the next 5 to 7 years.”

“There is arguably no other business tool which provides the range of benefits delivered by successful exploitation of technology. Investments in ICT are increasingly supporting companies, large and small, in developing new markets, providing improved customer care and enabling innovation in products and services.  At at time of economic constraint, the increasing flexibility ICT can give your business is tangible, and the independent analysis provided in the CBI's report, highlighting these benefits, is extremely valuable."

"Once only available to large corporates, there is now a wide range of IT solutions available to businesses to suit all budgets. It’s great to know that we have a vibrant and expert ICT industry here in Scotland, with the experience and knowledge to work with the wider business community to get the very best from their investments in ICT."

"We have seen enormous growth in online trading and ecommerce enabled by ICT over the last few years.  Across the UK this is now worth in excess of £130bn per annum, and British consumers spend more on-line than their US counterparts. Harnessing the power of ecommerce can be transformational for business, opening up new markets at home and internationally. Many smaller Scottish businesses have seen their businesses grow significantly, having moved to ecommerce.  People now are highly conversant with ICT and comfortable with transacting online, from their personal banking to buying music downloads, to customised jeans and foreign holidays. Customer care can be hugely improved through new applications such as social networking, online surveys and transparent fulfilment."
Iain McMillan, Director, CBI Scotland added: “Our report shows that the main driver for developing IT services now is the ability to help companies focus on customers and add value, rather than simply cutting costs. At a time of tougher economic conditions and ever-increasing international competition, it is vital that all firms understand how they can use IT to drive performance and create goods and services customers want.
“The report highlights ways for government to help companies better exploit the benefits of IT. Business wants clearer and more consistent policies on e-commerce, support for overseas activities, and measures to address technology and skills weaknesses, and security vulnerabilities.”

* Source : eskillsUK 2008 (eskillsUK is the sector skills council for ICT skills, and works closely with ScotlandIS)

www.scotlandIS.com

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