Determination to see Scotland become a world-leading digital nation by 2020
A new strategy to get more Scots online has been launched by the Scottish Government in partnership with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).
The National Digital Participation Framework for Local Action will be supported by a multi-million pound fund and outlines how digital technology can be used to tackle inequalities and benefit communities across the country.
Culture and external affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop launched the strategy at Pilton Equalities Partnership in Edinburgh, which provides a range of services for older and other vulnerable adults in north Edinburgh, including computer classes.
She said a nationwide network of Digital Scotland community training centres would be created to build a “national movement” of supporting people to get online in a “fun and interesting” way.
“Digital technology is transforming our society and changing the way we live - how we buy goods and services, how we build and maintain friendships and how we communicate with people and organisations in our local communities and across the world,” she said.
While good progress is being made with the delivery of digital infrastructure, more needs to be done to enable people to become active digital citizens – Fiona Hyslop
“The Scottish Government is determined Scotland is seen as a world-leading digital nation by 2020. We want everyone to be able to reap the social, cultural and economic benefits the internet can bring.
“While good progress is being made with the delivery of digital infrastructure, more needs to be done to enable people to become active digital citizens.”
SCVO will work to enhance the use of digital technology in the third sector, while the Business Excellence Partnership has been awarded £7 million to promote its uses to Scottish businesses.
Within its role SCVO will deliver a Challenge Fund to create the training centres and build a team of virtual tutors.
It will also roll out a Digital Participation Charter where organisations can sign up to commit to all staff and volunteers getting the opportunity to learn basic online skills by the end of 2015.
Chris Yiu, director of digital participation at SCVO said it was time everybody had the opportunity to benefit from the internet, regardless of background or circumstances.
“Three in 10 people in Scotland still lack the basic skills needed to get things done online,” he said.
“If we are serious about being a world-leading digital nation then the time has come to close this divide.
“SCVO welcomes the publication of the digital participation strategy, and is delighted to play a leading role in this important agenda.
“By working across the public, private and third sectors to coordinate and scale up digital participation projects, together we will make a real and lasting difference to people and communities across Scotland.”
Public libraries will also be improved as part of the strategy.
A £300,000 fund will enable them to offer free wifi and upgrade equipment.
