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New connectivity approach crucial, says SCDI

Innovative ways of enhancing IT connectivity across Scotland have to be found to help achieve sustained economic growth in the long term.

That’s the call during North East Business Week from the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) as it makes the case for accelerating the roll-out of high-speed broadband.

“It’s crucial to our growth prospects that we establish an internationally-competitive communications network encompassing not only broadband but mobile and wireless coverage,” says SCDI north-east manager Ian Armstrong.

“It’s clear that we are in danger of being left behind as other countries invest in digital communications infrastructures offering greater capacity and greater coverage – giving them a competitive edge.

“It’s particularly important for areas such as the north and north-east of Scotland, where perceived remoteness and peripherality are among the main barriers to growth for individual businesses and compromise inward investment.

“There is now some welcome impetus behind the market-led roll out of super-fast broadband, but equally it’s recognised that this is unlikely to extend beyond 40% of the country.

“Our view is that government support is required to achieve the investment needed for roll-out into areas where the market cannot deliver.

“In essence it needs more collaboration with the private sector to develop and deliver innovative ways to achieve comprehensive, quality connectivity.”

The SCDI says the case for direct public sector involvement is underpinned by the wider economic, social and environmental gains that can be accrued from ‘full wiring’ the country with next generation broadband.

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Super-fast networks linking enterprises and homes in rural areas, it adds, could in the long term lead to the creation of ‘distributed cities’ that would support sustainable growth.

The SCDI is one of several organisations involved in North East Business Week, an initiative designed to highlight the key role the area plays in the national economy.

The benefits of companies enhancing their technology and infrastructure will be the topic for discussion at a North East Business Week event later this month.

Donald McLaughlin, Director and General Manager of Cisco Scotland, will give a talk entitled “Driving Growth Through A Connected Scotland”.

He will discuss how being better connected can lead to growth in an increasingly global market and also examine how businesses can improve productivity through innovation and collaboration technologies.

The SCDI event, sponsored by Cisco and award-winning information and communication technology (ICT) specialist Arrowdawn, will be held at the Hilton Treetops Hotel, Springfield Road, at 7pm on Monday, April 18 (2011).

Arrowdawn, which was named Cisco Scottish Commercial Partner of the Year 2010 and is a Cisco Premier Partner, provides and supports a portfolio of communications products, from voice over IP telephony to data network infrastructure and security.

For further information about the North East Business Week event at the Hilton Treetops please contact Fiona.downie@scdi.org.uk.