A new Scottish Government app which is due to be released next year is part of a wider plan to ‘revolutionise’ access to public services.
First Minister John Swinney says Scotland in on a journey to becoming a ‘digital-first’ nation with the creation of new digital infrastructure that will underpin innovations to connect people and public services.
Joining public services together through a digital platform is central to a new National Digital Strategy, which was launched yesterday at Digital Scotland, the annual public sector digital transformation hosted by Futurescot.
The app will initially provide alerts on weather and travel disruption, followed by digital proof of age, with further functionality expanded over time.
Mr Swinney said: “Digital technology is already growing our economy and transforming lives for the better. Scotland is ready to enter a new phase of digital innovation and become a digital-first nation.
“While the corporate world has led the way in making our lives easier through digital technology, my ambition is for digital delivery in the public sector to match the very best of the private sector, in a way that is inclusive for all. Innovation will help make public services more efficient, resilient and accessible – while ensuring privacy and security.”
He added: “From harnessing data-sharing to help tackle child poverty, to using innovation to support health diagnoses, the potential of technology to improve services and benefit lives stretches across all areas of the public sector. Building this technical foundation will help us develop new ways to grow the economy, end child poverty, improve public services and tackle the climate emergency.”
The Scottish Government is working with tech consultancy Netcompany, headquartered in Denmark, on the project. Thomas Rysgaard Christiansen, Partner at Netcompany, said: “By building the new digital communication infrastructure on our AMI platform, Scotland will benefit from proven technology and domain expertise already applied across Europe.
“Based on re-useable components tailored to local needs, the platform ensures both speed and security in delivery. This approach accelerates Scotland’s digital journey and demonstrates both the scalability and adaptability of our solution to meet varying country-specific needs.
“This is a significant opportunity to help nations digitalise their critical infrastructure and create real value for citizens.”
Mr Swinney met with the Danish Ambassador to the UK, Kristina Miskowiak Beckvard at Bute House in Edinburgh yesterday. The Ambassador also took part in a digital discussion with Joe Griffin, Scotland’s Permanent Secretary, at Digital Scotland at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.