Does Scotland’s business landscape face a significant disruption with the arrival of DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed AI-powered chatbot app?
AI use is certainly on the rise across the board, but the Scottish Government’s endorsement of this new software for its staff has sparked a critical debate – is this a golden opportunity or an AI-powered Trojan horse?
DeepSeek’s appeal lies in its cost-effectiveness, touted as a viable alternative to established models like ChatGPT. Its affordability and performance are attractive to businesses seeking to streamline operations and cut costs. However, its Chinese origins raise valid data security concerns.
For Scottish businesses, particularly in sectors like finance, legal, and public services, AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Companies failing to adopt AI risk falling behind in the race for efficiency and innovation. DeepSeek offers a potential competitive edge, but should businesses embrace it without reservation, or is a cautious approach more prudent?
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on AI and the Future of Work highlights the complex impact of AI adoption. Advanced economies like Scotland will experience significant workforce shifts, with automation boosting productivity while simultaneously disrupting jobs. Developing nations may face less immediate disruption, but lack the infrastructure and skills to fully leverage AI’s benefits.
The narrative of AI stealing jobs, while prevalent, is an oversimplification. The IMF’s findings reveal a more nuanced reality.
In advanced economies, a disproportionate number of jobs will be affected by AI. While this presents risks, it also offers substantial opportunities for increased productivity.
Conversely, emerging markets and developing economies, while facing fewer immediate disruptions, lack the resources to fully capitalize on AI, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.
This disparity presents a challenge for Scottish businesses. While AI can drive efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and create new business models, it requires careful implementation.
AI’s impact transcends national borders, affecting income and wealth inequality within nations. We may witness a widening gap, with tech-savvy workers enjoying increased productivity and wages, while those unable to adapt struggle.
The Scottish Government’s stance on DeepSeek aligns with its broader AI strategy, emphasising trustworthy, ethical, and inclusive AI. Scotland aims to be a leader in responsible AI development, with initiatives like the Scottish AI Playbook offering guidance to businesses.
This commitment to ethical AI is commendable, but the practical application of these principles in the face of readily available, potentially risky technology is the real test.
However, some argue for caution, especially when the technology originates from outside UK jurisdiction. The U.S. Navy’s ban on DeepSeek due to security concerns raises valid questions. Should Scottish businesses share these concerns? The potential for data breaches, intellectual property theft, and even influence operations cannot be dismissed.
The saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” is particularly apt for AI adoption. While DeepSeek may be cost-effective, companies must rigorously assess its potential risks. This includes thorough data security audits and careful consideration of the legal and ethical implications.
So, where does this leave Scotland’s business community? The key lies in balance. AI is undeniably powerful, but businesses must be strategic.
DeepSeek may be tempting, but companies must weigh its risks, prioritise data security, and avoid blindly following the AI trend. Due diligence is paramount. Businesses must ask tough questions about data storage, access, and usage, and consider the long-term implications of relying on foreign technology, potentially subject to different regulatory frameworks.
AI is here to stay. In Scotland, success will belong to businesses that harness its power while protecting customer data and upholding ethical standards. This requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity, a commitment to transparency, and investment in training to help employees adapt.
Whether DeepSeek becomes Scotland’s AI salvation, or a costly mistake remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: ignoring AI is no longer an option.
The future of Scottish business hinges on navigating this complex landscape with intelligence, foresight, and a healthy dose of caution. The challenge lies not just in adopting AI, but in adopting it responsibly and securely.
Scotland’s Skills Gap Could Derail Energy Ambitions
It’s always unsettling to hear news that shakes your confidence in a sector you once believed was leading Scotland’s industrial charge.
This week, serious concerns on the availability of skilled workers have emerged in the nation’s engineering construction industry.
Employing around 17 per cent of the UK’s entire engineering construction workforce and serving as a vital employer in key areas like Aberdeen, Glasgow, and the Highlands and Islands, the sector has already faced turbulence in recent months due to fluctuating demand. Now, the shortage of skilled workers is under intense scrutiny.
At its core, engineering construction is responsible for developing industrial plants and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for vital sectors such as onshore and offshore oil and gas, manufacturing and water industries.
It doesn’t take an expert to see how crucial this is for Scotland’s energy future. Yet, with the much-hyped ‘energy revolution’ supposedly just around the corner, it’s alarming to learn that we lack the skilled workforce needed to support it.
According to a recent census report from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), a competitive labour market and lack of experience are key factors behind the shortage. Worryingly, only a fifth of businesses in the sector report no difficulty in recruiting skilled workers.
To build confidence in any industry, you need a strong, skilled workforce that feels secure in its future. Engineering construction firms must step up – offering competitive opportunities, robust training, and long-term career prospects – to ensure the industry is ready to lay the foundations for Scotland’s next industrial chapter.
It Made Me Laugh
CCTV Steals the Show
Art may be subjective, but an Edinburgh pub has recently been in the spotlight for being objectively hilarious. The Dreadnought Leith bar found itself victim to an amateur art thief, who stole a single painting from the bar – as seen on CCTV.
Since then, the bar has been booming with new punters after a viral post showcasing their latest art to replace the stolen picture proved a hit with Scots. The bar cleverly framed stills of the CCTV of the initial incident, in order to both laugh at and raise awareness of their bungling burglar.
There’s never any excuse for theft against smaller businesses but I’ve certainly put my hands up with appreciation for how this bar owner has turned it into a positive.
It Made Me Weep
Farewell to a Local Icon
There is yet another bump in the road for Scottish retail businesses, with another long-standing store shutting up shop.
Biketrax, an independently ran bike store in Edinburgh is the latest casualty, as the retailer shuts its doors after 30 years in business.
In an all too familiar tune, the owner cites the current economic climate as the main reason that the Tollcross store’s journey came to an end.
This is becoming too regular an occurrence and it’s always so tragic to see.
We simply need to do whatever we can to support local businesses so that they can keep pushing themselves throughout these tough times.
