Businesses across Scotland can access support to help them explore, adopt and scale AI in a practical and responsible way.
The National SME AI Adoption Programme brings together a range of national and regional support for small and medium-sized businesses. Whether you are just starting to explore AI or are ready to implement it across your organisation, support is available to help you build skills, identify opportunities and take action with confidence.
The programme is designed to help businesses improve productivity, drive innovation and strengthen competitiveness through effective AI adoption. Support includes leadership development, mentoring, specialist advice, webinars, learning journeys and implementation support.
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National
Beginning your AI journey
AI Webinar Series
The AI webinar Series helps participants to build awareness of AI, understand its practical applications and explore how to adopt it responsibly and effectively.
Embedding AI across your organisation
AI Scaling Programme
The AI Scaling Programme supports participants to identify AI opportunities, plan AI implementation and scale high-impact AI activity across their businesses.
Embedding AI across your organisation
International AI Learning Journeys
International AI Learning Journeys give participants the opportunity to visit leading AI ecosystems, learn from organisations already applying AI at scale, and gain insight into emerging technologies.
Embedding AI across your organisation
Masterclasses
AI Masterclasses help businesses turn AI ambitions into practical action plans.
Practical AI applications
Data and AI support
The Data and AI support helps participants to understand their data and take confident first steps towards an AI and develop and test an AI solution tailored to their needs. Through The Data Lab Community, Participants will be able to stay connected, continue learning and access support after the programme ends.
Regional
Highlands and Islands
Highlands and Islands
Highlands and Islands Enterprise delivers support to help businesses build AI capability, develop plans and begin implementing AI to meet their specific needs.
This includes:
- an intensive AI support programme (events and mentoring over 6-months)
- an AI Adoption Roadshow – in person events regionally
- online masterclasses
- one-to-one support through in person and online AI mentoring
- focused learning journeys
South of Scotland
South of Scotland
South of Scotland Enterprise delivers targeted regional support to help businesses understand their readiness for AI, identify relevant opportunities and take practical steps towards adoption.
This includes:
- one-to-one support through online AI mentoring
- an AI Adoption Roadshow – in person events regionally
- targeted grant funding
- focused learning journeys
AI leadership academy
Building leadership confidence in data and AI
Introduction to Data and AI for SME Leaders
This is a self-paced online course that provides a practical introduction to data and AI, helping leaders build foundational knowledge and make informed strategic decisions.
Building leadership confidence in data and AI
From Foundation to Implementation: Getting SME leaders ready for AI
For SME leaders ready to move from exploration to action, this course offers practical tools and a 90-day action plan to support responsible AI adoption in their business.
Embedding AI across your organisation
Strategic Leadership Development in AI, Data and Tech
Participants receive dedicated workshops, coaching and an action plan to help leaders deepen their understanding and apply AI, data and technology more effectively within their organisation.
The National AI Adoption Programme for SMEs is delivered by Scottish Government in partnership with:
