Highlands and Islands Enterprise study finds more north firms are embracing digital tech – but region still lags behind Scotland as a whole

Businesses across the Highlands and Islands are using digital technology in ever greater numbers, according to a new study published by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Researchers from Ipsos MORI found that 78 per cent of Highlands and Islands companies now use mobile technology as a key element of their operations, up from 70 per cent four years ago.

The study also revealed that cloud computing is now used by 67 per cent of the region’s businesses – a 38 point surge from just 29 per cent in 2017.

The proportion using social media has risen from 63 per cent in 2017 to 68 per cent, while 65 per cent of companies now have a website – a four per cent rise.

More than three-quarters (77 per cent) agreed that digital technology had played an important or essential role in facing the challenges of the pandemic.

Regional figures were collated as part of the Scotland-wide Digital Economy Business Survey, a partnership involving HIE, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and South of Scotland Enterprise.

Martin Johnson, HIE’s director of strategy and regional economy, said: “Digital technology is playing an increasingly important role in Scotland’s economy and it’s crucial that rural areas are able to share in the benefits it can help deliver.

“While it’s encouraging to see more and more of businesses using digital technology in a variety of ways, we are also aware that the region’s overall engagement level remains slightly lower than Scotland as a whole.

“That’s why we’re continuing to encourage and support our clients and other companies to increase their use of digital in a variety of ways.”

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