The Scottish Government has announced a new AI strategy aimed at delivering growth and prosperity.

The AI strategy sets out a five-year plan to ensure people, businesses and public services across the country benefit from AI. It includes increased support for businesses to expand the use of AI to develop new products and services, grow market share and generate new jobs and investment.

Analysis shows that the AI sector could be worth £23 billion to the Scottish economy by 2035.

In the first year of the strategy, an independent expert advisory board will be established to provide strategic guidance on the strategy's delivery.

AI Champions will be appointed to represent priority sectors and regions and an expanded AI adoption programme will be rolled out for businesses to help drive productivity and competitiveness across the economy.

A Future Jobs Panel will be set up to assess AI's impact on the workforce and an AI Leadership Academy, will be set up.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The unprecedented pace at which AI is increasing and evolving presents an enormous opportunity. It has the potential to be genuinely transformative – for every sector of our economy, and for people from all backgrounds and communities.

“This strategy sets out a clear plan to harness the economic and social benefits of AI responsibly with practical, tangible steps to be taken this year to help ensure we translate our innovation and expertise into more businesses, jobs and investment.

“In establishing AI Scotland we will use the expertise of our enterprise agencies, The Data Lab and other partners to lead an accelerated, co-ordinated approach to ensure Scotland’s economy and society reaps the rewards of this incredible technology.”