Prospective MSPs encouraged to sign pledge to ‘democratise data’

Credit: Scottish Parliament

Candidates for the forthcoming Scottish Parliament are being asked to sign up to a #DemocratiseDataPledge to diversify the data sector and improve data literacy in Scotland.

The Data & Marketing Association (DMA) is calling on candidates to back the objectives set out in its Democratise Data Manifesto with the aim of growing the country’s data sector as part of recovery and making Scotland the ‘data capital of Europe’.

The manifesto has seven points: to tackle the reversing of diversity and inclusion initiatives in the sector; increase employment from key talent pools; increase neurodiversity in the workforce, bringing in those with autism and Asperger’s; identify and plug the skills gap; demystify data and improve data literacy; build on Scotland’s ethical use of data and AI; and boost international data trade.

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The DMA says the manifesto’s seven objectives will help to promote sustainable growth in the digital economy and ensure that all stakeholders are working towards a common goal.

Rachel Aldighieri, managing director of the DMA, said: “With the newly launched National AI Strategy for Scotland and the Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) programme, the Scottish Government has taken important steps to securing Scotland’s future as a data and digital powerhouse. To build on this work and realise the full potential of these investments, Scotland needs structured action plans across both the public and private sectors that work towards common goals with key industry stakeholders.”

She added: “Our new manifesto outlines key areas that will help to support sustainable growth in the digital sector. These objectives have been identified by DMA Scotland, our Value of Data campaign partners, and membership organisations, using insights from our campaign’s research; from diversifying the talent pool and improving data literacy, to developing ethical frameworks in data and AI and creating international trade links.”