Where now? A national digital strategy for Scotland

Globalisation, the information economy, a digital future - these are the buzzwords of our age.

Now that the world has caught up with the web, there's broad acceptance that technology will play an increasingly crucial role in our social, economic and civil lives. That's great, but what does it all mean and what will be required to make it work?

It seems clear to me that if Scotland is to harvest the benefits of the digital age, it needs a clear understanding of the resources, skills and infrastructure this will require in both the short and long-term futures. At present our development is ad-hoc, depending largely on the private sector to provide direction, and while this approach has served us fairly well so far, it will not suffice forever.

The country needs a digital blueprint - a clear, considered and far-reaching national strategy designed to deliver the tools that a 21st Century Scotland will require if it is to prosper and thrive. I've talked to many of the country's major players about this and so far, they all agree.

To make it happen, however, somebody needs to take the first step.

With that in mind, I have decided to launch a campaign dedicated to seeing such a strategy become a reality. In collaboration with senior industry figures and the Sunday Herald, the plan is to hold a series of debates and roundtable events designed to harvest the experience and talents of experts throughout the country, drawing upon their considerable knowledge in an effort to get the ball rolling.

Ambitious? Yes, but not impossible. It will take much time and effort, but if sucessful this planned series of events could lead to the creation of a draft national strategy capable of ensuring Scotland's place in an uncertain future.