Digital Highlands: The Scottish Government’s Cloud Revolution
Exploring the intricate journey of the Scottish Government's transition towards a more digital and cloud-centric approach.
As they defined in 2019 the Scottish Government set out to develop a centre of excellence for Cloud adoption in the Scottish public sector.
This has since developed into a mature Cloud First policy and the Scottish Cloud Platform.
Exemplar Case Study
Cloud adoption pioneers in the Scottish public sector include the Agricultural Economy Directorate. In this podcast the host is joined by Neill Smith, Head of Infrastructure, and they delve into the intricate journey of the Scottish Government’s transition towards a more digital and cloud-centric approach.
This episode offers a unique perspective on how a significant arm of the government, responsible for disbursing around $1 billion in subsidies to farmers, is navigating the complex landscape of modern technology.
Neill shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by cloud migration, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to the specific needs of each workload. He sheds light on the common misconceptions about cloud-first strategies and the importance of a nuanced approach in public sector digital transformation.
They also explore the broader implications of this shift, including the rising expectations of citizens for digital services, the challenges of cloud skills shortages, and the importance of diversity in tech to foster innovative solutions. Neill’s perspective on the role of culture and people in driving technological change is particularly thought-provoking.
Furthermore, we discuss the Scottish Government’s commitment to sustainability and how technology is being leveraged to promote greener farming practices. Neill highlights the use of cutting-edge technologies like AI and satellite imagery in agriculture, showcasing how these innovations can lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly practices.
As they delve into the future of application delivery and the vision for a more digital government, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how technology is reshaping the public sector. Neill Smith’s expertise and experience offer invaluable insights into the journey of modernizing government services and the strategic deployment of cloud services.
