Bridging Scotland’s data and AI skills gap for the future
Guest blog by Anna Ashton-Scott, Head of Skills at The Data Lab
Why we need a new approach to data and AI skills
In May, our annual DataFest conference took place at The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. It was amazing to be in a room filled with Scotland’s diverse community of innovators, educators, public servants, students, and everyone in between who came together to discuss how we are all collectively trying to navigate AI.
Our packed pre-conference event was focused on skills—one of the biggest barriers to using AI effectively in organisations. I was proud to launch our new Data & AI Skills Framework at the opening session. It’s the result of months of work and dedication by my team.
We first created a framework in 2020, after researching the data skills gap with employers in Edinburgh and South East Scotland. Delivered through our Data Skills for Work programme, it helped individuals, employers, and training providers make sense of the growing number of data-related training options.
It wasn’t about turning everyone into data scientists. It was about helping people navigate a confusing and scattered skills landscape—especially those facing barriers to upskilling, like insecure jobs, low pay, or the risk of redundancy due to automation.
Since then, the pace of change has only accelerated. The pandemic drove digital and hybrid working. Brexit disrupted the talent pipeline. And now, generative AI is rapidly changing how we work.
What the Framework delivers
In response, we repeated our research—this time at a national scale—to understand how Scotland’s data and AI skills needs have evolved. Our new framework builds on those findings.
Much of the original data skills gap still exists. But now, AI literacy—the ability to understand, use, and critically engage with AI tools—is becoming essential in all sectors. Here’s what our latest research found:
Most business leaders rate their organisation’s data and AI literacy as moderate to low.
Many public and private sector organisations cite lack of time, resources, or funding as the main barriers to upskilling.
A shortage of skilled people, limited budgets, and weak infrastructure are holding back data and AI adoption.
The most pressing skills gaps relate to applying AI concepts, understanding machine learning, and using AI in sector-specific ways.
Over half of educators say courses are still focused on basic or intermediate levels—highlighting the need for more advanced training.
To help with this, we’ve created a clear way to identify the data and AI skills people need, based on their relationship to these technologies in a work context. The framework uses personas, competency areas, and specific skills to make it easier for individuals and organisations to see a clear path to build their skills.
One of the most common challenges we hear is simply not knowing where to start. Many people feel unsure about their own digital skills—or what their team needs to succeed. Whether you’re a Data & AI Citizen, Worker, Professional or Leader, we hope this framework helps you take that first step with confidence.
Take the First Step: Explore the Framework
You can explore the full Data & AI Skills Framework—including personas, skills breakdowns, and learning pathways—on our website.
If you are interested in exploring how The Data Lab can support your organisation get in touch with us https://thedatalab.com/contact-us/
Nations and Regions Programme activities
techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience across the nations and regions. Visit the programme page here
Local Digital Index 2025 - Read now
techUK is delighted to publish the 2025 edition of our Local Digital Index. This is the fifth edition of the Index and provides updated data, new insights and a more user-friendly set of maps to help all those using the tool to inform their work and support decision making.
techUK’s Scottish Parliamentary Reception, 24 February
This reception will provide attendees, including MSPS, with an insight into techUK’s upcoming work, and the opportunity to discuss how the tech sector can grow in Scotland. Places are limited and we are currently operating a waiting list.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke Newcombe
Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke joined techUK in September 2025 as a Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions.
Luke works closely with members and stakeholders across industry and government at local, regional and national levels to support collaboration, drive innovation and strengthen tech-enabled public services. His work supports the development of strong local and regional tech economies by helping organisations to engage with public sector challenges, explore emerging technologies and build impactful partnerships.
Prior to joining techUK, Luke worked at Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s export development agency. He began by advising SMEs on export strategy to the UK and later focused on connecting Irish businesses with multinational organisations to foster strategic partnerships, drive international growth and support economic development.
Luke holds an MSc in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
