The adoption and use of technology within Scottish businesses has accelerated rapidly in response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report launched today.

Published by Addleshaw Goddard alongside the Fraser of Allander Institute, the report is a continuation of the Scottish Business Monitor survey, which outlines business sentiment across the country.

The collaborative report includes views from a range of organisations, including The Data Lab, Scottish Futures Trust, Royal Bank of Scotland, Par Equity and Fintech Scotland.

More than 500 Scottish-based firms, spanning a host of industries including financial services, transport and healthcare, responded to the survey.

Data shows that nearly three-quarters (73%) of businesses have adopted new technologies to provide their goods and services. A large proportion of firms also expect these changes to persist on a permanent basis.

More than three-quarters (81%) said they have accelerated digital plans since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic while 54% said they had purposefully introduced new digital practices.

Two-thirds (66%) of small and medium-sized businesses also said they had accelerated digital plans.

Coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown forced organisations to reconsider their relationship with technology, the report suggests. As a result, many Scottish businesses have shifted their attitude towards inclusive tech systems, infrastructure and future-proofed planning to enable continuity and economic growth.

The report also highlights a shift in attitude towards inclusive tech systems, infrastructure and future-proofed planning to enable business continuity and economic growth.

David Anderson, Corporate Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “The acceleration of tech and digital innovation within the Scots business community has been monumental as we continue to live through a global health pandemic.

“Largely, new tech has been introduced within organisations to enable remote working, but the survey results also reveal the fast-forward button that has been pushed on digital transformation at board and governmental level.”

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Graeme Roy, Director of Fraser of Allander Institute, added: “Technology and how we understand it is rapidly changing.

“Businesses and decision-makers need to review the balance between human and tech interactions to achieve the best outcomes and progress as we’re presented with new digitally enhanced opportunities.”