Alex Neil: With joined-up thinking we can be digital world beaters

Digital connectivity is becoming a critical part of our lives. From tele-healthcare supporting medical treatment, through to facilitating educational attainment and social interaction, we all, directly or indirectly, rely on a strong digital infrastructure.

Just as our geography makes this a challenging and complex project, so too is the solution. Yesterday I unveiled our blueprint: Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan. Its success is not wholly in the hands of central government. Securing the infrastructure we need must be seen by all partners – public, private, local and national government – as a partnership for digital progress. The public sector will go as far as we can to support hard-to-reach areas, with market forces providing investment where commercially attractive.

In Scotland we are witnessing a digital wave of support, sparked by Govcamp. The GovCamp Scotland partnership is the first of its kind and a key outcome has been the signing of the Digital Participation Charter, which has attracted more than 30 organisations to date, working together to improve digital participation. This has marked a new national alliance across public, private and third sectors to raise digital participation levels.

But none of this will flourish without significant investment. Enhancing our digital communication links will open up global markets to local businesses, drive innovation, increase exports and attract inward investment. From a communities’ perspective, it will further empower citizens and transform the way we deliver public services. It has the potential to make a real difference to rural and remote areas, by boosting growth, helping retain young people and attracting new residents.

Our aspirations are for Scotland to be at the forefront of the digital revolution and we are working in partnerships across the country to realise that goal.

• Alex Neil is cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment.