Local MSP Brian Whittle met with leading Artificial Intelligence experts from across Scotland and the global data science sector on Wednesday 30 March in Edinburgh, as part of the inaugural Scottish AI Summit.
The sold-out Summit marked the first anniversary of Scotland’s AI Strategy, which set out a vision for Scotland to become a leader in the development and use of trustworthy, ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence.
Following the main Summit, Brian and other MSPs met with exhibitors from across the country and the experts leading the implementation of the AI Strategy to explore how data and AI can help make Scotland a global leader in data innovation.
During the event, there were short speeches from Brian Hills, interim CEO of The Data Lab; Gillian Docherty, chair of the Scottish AI Alliance; and Albert King, Chief Data Officer of the Scottish Government.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Technologies like AI have the potential to transform our lives in the years ahead, changing everything from how we find cures for diseases and deal with climate change, to the way we live our everyday lives.
It was great to hear how Scotland is working hard to make the most of the research and commercial opportunities that AI can bring.
We have a proud history of invention and innovating to create technologies that change the world. I want to see us build on that history and take a lead in Artificial Intelligence and data science and I will work at Holyrood to make that happen.”
Brian Hills, interim CEO of The Data Lab, said:
“The inaugural Scottish AI Summit is the first opportunity those working in Scotland’s data and AI community have had to come together since the AI Strategy was published to discuss how AI can benefit sectors ranging from healthcare to monitoring the impacts of climate change.
“As an integral part of the Scottish AI Alliance, which leads on work to deliver the Strategy, The Data Lab were delighted to welcome MSPs to the Summit to hear from the individuals and organisations who are working at the forefront of the AI and data science sector in Scotland.
“The launch of Scotland’s AI Strategy one year ago set out the vision for Scotland to become a world leader in AI. By working in collaboration with politicians, private companies, the public sector and universities, the Scottish AI Alliance can build the network needed to lead the development of AI which is trustworthy, ethical and inclusive.”
