FIRST Minister John Swinney has launched new analysis on the trends that could shape the future of Scotland in the next two decades, saying that the country must “take charge of our own destiny”.
The report "Future Trends for Scotland" sets out the plausible opportunities and challenges facing the nation, and shows how the country can make the most of new energy potential, growing success in space and life sciences and widespread adoption of AI.
It comes as Swinney said a broken UK political system is feeding Scotland “poison pills” as he addressed the Scotland 2050 conference in Edinburgh.
Swinney said: “The Scotland of 2050 will be shaped by a series of unpredictable forces, by new technologies we have only half-imagined in the pages of science fiction, by conflicts now only simmering, by people who are only just born but it will also be shaped by us.
"By the decisions we take, the policy choices we implement, the vision and path forward that we set out.
“That is a great responsibility, but for me it is also exciting, inspiring, and a privilege to shape it as First Minister."
The analysis says challenges facing Scotland resonate with those seen across the world including growing risks to democracy because of mis- and disinformation, more frequent conflicts, increasing inequalities and climate change.
A foreword by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes says Scotland needs to "chart a course in a rapidly-changing world, where established geopolitical norms, values and relationships are increasingly under challenge".
Rather than setting out specific policy or strategy, it provides "open analysis to spark reflection and guide decisions in a complex interconnected world".
Among the warnings the report highlights are progress in global development and inequality is stalling, the number and severity of conflicts is increasing globally and changing with new technology and actors, and fiscal sustainability challenges are leading to increased pressure on public service provision.
It also highlights Scotland’s population is expected to grow over the next 20 years and will become more urbanised, with depopulation in many rural communities.
Swinney went on: “With the Future Trends horizon scan, we have the best available Scotland specific analysis to inform our decisions, both now and for the future.
“It shows both hurdles and new horizons for our society and economy. Warnings where we need to change, or up the pace, but also doors opening, if we have the courage to walk through them with confidence, with boldness and self-belief.
“And it is by shaping strategy and policy towards achieving long-term outcomes that we will be ready for this new world as it evolves.
“It is only by taking charge of our own destiny, with our own hand on the tiller, that we are better able to ride the waves of change, that we are better able to shape our own future."
To read the full report, click here.
