North Lanarkshire is set to benefit as the AI Growth Zone secures a landmark £300 million investment package, and Dell Technologies announces it will establish a base in the area.
The wider development is expected to support more than 3,400 jobs, alongside skills and training opportunities to help local people access careers in technology, engineering, construction and the growing AI sector.
Artificial intelligence is proving beneficial across a number of sectors including helping scientists develop new medicines, helping businesses become more productive and supporting better public services. As more organisations adopt the technology, countries that have the infrastructure needed to support it will be best placed to attract investment, grow new industries and create good jobs.
The Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone was created to ensure Scotland secures a share of those opportunities. By bringing together energy, infrastructure and local talent, it is helping attract companies that might otherwise invest elsewhere while creating jobs and opportunities closer to home.
The money will enable developer DataVita to expand its existing DV1 datacentre and construct a second, creating jobs during construction and operation – while providing the infrastructure needed to attract more businesses and investment to Scotland in the years ahead.
Dell Technologies will move to Mercury House in Lanarkshire’s AI Innovation Park, which will be the new home for the company’s Scottish team.
UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said:
“AI is already helping scientists discover new medicines, supporting better public services and helping businesses get more done. The countries that build the infrastructure behind this technology will be the ones that attract investment, create jobs and help shape the industries of the future.”
“That’s why today’s announcements matter. They will help ensure Scotland is at the forefront of one of the biggest economic opportunities of our time, bringing investment, reindustrialisation and opportunities to communities like Lanarkshire.”
“For local people, that means more than new buildings and technology. It means the chance to develop new skills, access new careers and benefit from the growth and investment that AI can bring.”
Scottish Government Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn said:
“This investment marks a milestone in the creation of Scotland’s first AI Growth Zone in North Lanarkshire. I welcome the economic growth it is set to deliver across the region – including more than 3,400 new jobs and private investment totalling more than £8 billion.”
“The Scottish Government’s AI Strategy sets out a clear plan to harness the economic and social benefits of AI to help ensure we translate our innovation and expertise into more businesses, jobs and investment.”
“We will continue to work closely with DataVita and Growth Zone partners to realise the full economic and employment opportunities of this investment over the coming years.”
The UK’s AI Growth Zones are designed to ensure communities with the energy resources needed to power AI infrastructure can benefit from the jobs, investment and growth the technology creates.
Lanarkshire is a site particularly well placed for these sites thanks to its abundant energy supply and strategic position within Scotland’s electricity network. The site’s energy needs will be met overwhelmingly by renewables thanks to Scotland’s low-carbon energy mix.