Building Scotland’s AI Future: The Role of AI Literacy in Economic Growth
Introduction: Making the Most of the AI Zeitgeist
In the last several years since the launch of Scotland’s AI Strategy, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a relatively restrained suite of technical applications generally invisible to the general public, to a progressively important cornerstone of economic development and innovation. Regardless of how much we may choose to engage (or disengage) from the AI zeitgeist, it is clear that AI will be increasingly unavoidable across situations, sectors and environs.
Alongside this, political attentions have turned towards the potential for AI to supercharge economic growth. The implications of AI stretch beyond traditional tech and offers potential opportunities for industries from healthcare and finance, to agriculture and logistics. Equally, AI offers tantalising cost saving measures and productivity gains for cash-strapped public sector services such as health and social care, education, infrastructure, and local government operations. As AI technology evolves, the capacity to harness its potential becomes a more compelling strategy for economic growth and the improvement of public services.
For Scotland to make the most of the opportunities afforded by AI, for both the economy as well as the people of Scotland, fostering a foundational understanding of AI across the broader population is imperative. Ahead of the relaunch of the Scottish AI Alliance’s public AI literacy programme, Living with AI, on the 28th of February, this blog presents a compelling case for AI literacy as a critical driver of economic prosperity, its role in addressing skills shortages in the tech sector and beyond, and the strategic importance of broad sectoral support for programmes focused on AI literacy.
The Direct Link between AI Literacy and Economic Prosperity
AI literacy, which can be broadly defined as the understanding of AI technologies, principles, uses, benefits, issues, and impacts, equips individuals with the knowledge needed to understand, identify, engage with, and utilise, or indeed, challenge, the use of AI technologies in a variety of contexts. The direct link between AI literacy and economic prosperity exists in the ability of a well-informed population to drive innovative, wide-reaching, and ethical uses of AI, improving productivity and creating new opportunities for growth.
The link between AI literacy and economic growth has been shown by numerous studies from across the globe. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, Generative AI alone is predicted to add $4.4t trillion to the economy by 2030. PwC notes that AI exposed sectors see a fivefold increase in productivity growth in the UK. Ethical AI innovation for the public good is driven by AI literacy, with countries investing in AI literacy and education experiencing increased investment and job creationi. Conversely, nations lagging behind in AI literacy efforts risk finding themselves at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace.ii
Creating a Skilled Workforce for Technological Advancements
Scotland has a vibrant and innovative tech sector, which acts not only as a substantial contributor to economic growth but also serves as an example of Scotland’s ability to capitalise on emerging advancements in technology. And yet, in Scotland as well as across the globe, the tech sector faces a critical skills shortage, with demand for AI professionals outstripping supply in every circumstance. The World Economic Forum estimates that AI will create millions of new jobs, however an even greater impact is the ways in which AI will change existing jobs, something often overlooked in the landscape of AI skills and education.
AI literacy is the key to bridging the skills gap and preparing individuals for the jobs of tomorrow – whether they are explicitly related to AI or not. As the public and private sector increasingly relies on AI to enhance operations, create efficiencies, reduce costs, and tailor services to the needs of customers, a workforce that understands AI’s potentials and limitations is critical to realising the opportunities AI presents.
By supporting AI literacy programmes such as Living with AI, Scotland can cultivate a pipeline of talent ready to meet the demands of an AI-driven economy, as well as upskilling the existing workforce in ways which allow everyone to make the most of AI.
Investing in AI literacy also helps democratise access to careers in tech. By offering foundational AI knowledge to a wide array of learners, traditionally excluded groups are given the first crucial steps towards exploring AI in a meaningful and engaging way. Diversity is not only beneficial for social equity; it also enhances innovation with varied and wide-reaching perspectives leading to richer idea generation and problem solving. Offering AI literacy initiative via open online platforms, as Living with AI does, has shown positive impact in democratising access to AI education and literacy programmes.iii
Looking to the Future of AI in Scotland
Scotland's commitment to AI literacy is a strategic investment in its future. By building a society that understands and leverages AI, the nation can unlock new economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for its citizens. However, achieving widespread AI literacy is not a short-term endeavour; it requires sustained effort and dedication from all sectors of society.
As Scotland continues to build its AI future, the emphasis must remain on inclusivity, accessibility, and collaboration. By fostering a culture that values continuous learning and adaptation, Scotland can ensure its place at the forefront of technological innovation and economic growth.
Conclusion
In summary, AI literacy is not just about understanding technology; it's about empowering society to drive economic development and innovation. For Scotland, embracing public AI education is a strategic imperative that will lay the foundation for a prosperous future. By making the most of the benefits afforded by mass public AI literacy, Scotland can build a robust ecosystem that enriches the nation's economic and social fabric.
The future of AI in Scotland is bright, but it hinges on our collective commitment to AI literacy and collaboration. Let's seize this opportunity to build a society ready to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence for the benefit of all.
i Vinuesa, R., Azizpour, H., Leite, I., Balaam, M., Dignum, V., Domisch, S., ... & Fuso Nerini, F. (2020). The role of artificial intelligence in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Nature communications, 11(1), 1-10.
ii Makridakis, S. (2017). The forthcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution: Its impact on society and firms. Futures, 90, 46-60.
iii Bulathwela, S., Pérez-Ortiz, M., Holloway, C., & Shawe-Taylor, J. (2021). Could AI democratise education? Socio-technical imaginaries of an edtech revolution. arXiv preprint arXiv:2112.02034.