Forecast by ScotlandIS points to 4.9% growth over next three years
Scotland’s public sector is expected to increase its spending on ICT by almost 5% by 2021, according to a forecast by ScotlandIS.
The organisation, which represents those developing digital products and services for the sector, has compiled a report estimating the spend for 2016-17 at £811 million, and forecasting growth of 4.9% over the next three years.
This would take the total to £850 million for 2020-21, with the increases coming largely in investment in mobile working, cyber security and cloud computing – although ScotlandIS has not yet released precise figures for the three areas.
It also said that approximately 30% of the current spending is with SMEs.
The report, produced with the Scottish Government, is due for publication later this week.
Colin Cook (pictured), director digital of the Scottish Government, said: “This report demonstrates the importance of the public sector within the digital economy, and the Scottish Government is actively strengthening this relationship.”
Image from gov.scot
This story was amended on 16 January following a further clarification of the growth figures provided by ScotlandIS.