Technology sector export plan

Current strengths

Scotland is home to many technology businesses, from start-ups through to large-scale tech, who are supported through a well developed eco-system. Through this eco-system, companies can make informed decisions on how they innovate, internationalise and grow their exports making a direct contribution to the Scottish economy.

A number of reports have been developed, by both the private and public sector, which highlight the agnostic nature of the sector and its impact on delivering new technology solutions and products in global markets. The Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review (STER), published 25 August 2020, made key recommendations to further develop Scotland's technology sector to world-class status. This TSEP further supports this approach to drive and increase exports from the Scottish company base.

Working with industry and through strategy workshop discussions, Europe, Asia Pacific and North America have been identified as the priority international markets for technology exports. There was continued endorsement that the assessment of current Scottish technology export strengths in the USA, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and the Netherlands, and growing import demand for technology in the USA, Germany, China, Japan, Mexico, Singapore and South Korea identified within ATN, provide a strong starting point for the identification of priority international markets. Full details of our analysis of critical international markets and their underpinning criteria for the technology sector are available within ATN and can be located online.

Through the implementation of this plan, we will monitor priority international markets and sub-sectors which will enable industry, and delivery partners, to focus on Scotland's strengths and market our technology exports globally.

Scotland has a strong spread of public and private sector organisations who have been working together to offer a range of support to businesses to develop their skills, knowledge and approach to engaging in international markets. These partners include industry bodies, chambers of commerce, local authorities, enterprise agencies, skills organisations and government.