Editor’s note (15 October 2026): This article was published in September 2023. Several figures and examples are from that time, and the AI and digital identity sections have moved on considerably; see our recent posts for the current picture in Scotland. In short: Five GovTech trends were shaping public services in 2023 and remain relevant […]
Editor’s note (15 October 2026): This article was written in August 2023. Funding schemes, amounts and programme formats mentioned here may have changed, so check each scheme’s current terms before applying. In short: Scottish GovTech start-ups should combine non-dilutive Scottish Government funding, support from hubs such as CivTech, investors beyond Scotland in London and overseas, […]
Editor’s note (15 October 2026): This article was published in July 2023, and some examples and figures below may have changed. See our 2026 posts for the current position in Scotland. In short: Global GovTech examples include Singapore’s National Digital Identity, Estonia’s e-Estonia, Dubai’s blockchain pilots and Service NSW in Australia. The best candidates for […]
Editor’s note (15 October 2026): Editor’s note, October 2026: this introduction was written in June 2023, shortly after the Scottish GovTech Cluster was announced. The Cluster and the Scottish GovTech landscape have developed since, so please read it as a starting point. In short: GovTech, short for government technology, means start-ups and businesses building products […]
In short: The Scottish GovTech Cluster’s logo is a unicorn, Scotland’s national animal since the 12th century, drawn in the style of a Charles Rennie Mackintosh stained glass window and set in Saltire blue. It also nods to the start-up meaning of unicorn: a privately held company valued at over $1 billion. Key takeaways Our […]
Editor’s note (15 October 2026): This article was published in May 2023 as a general introduction to GovTech. For the latest picture in Scotland, including procurement routes and AI, see our more recent posts. In short: GovTech is the smart procurement of technology and services from innovative start-ups and smaller companies to improve public services. […]