The Data Lab

The Data Lab is a new innovation centre focussed on helping Scottish industry to capitalise on a growing market opportunity in data science.

The Data Lab will build on innovation from Scotland’s world-leading university sector and transform the way in which industry, public sector and academic institutions collaborate. Scotland is fortunate to have some of the best data in the world. Few other countries have the opportunity to link high quality, consistent data that has national coverage for public service improvement, economic growth and research. Scotland is well placed to be part of the data revolution, using data to deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland. Established with an £11.3 million grant from the Scottish Funding Council, The Data Lab will enable industry, public sector and world-class university researchers to innovate and develop new data science capabilities in a collaborative environment. Its core mission is to generate significant economic, social and scientific value from data. With a Scotland-wide presence and Hubs in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, it will be in close proximity to leading industry and university institutions with world-class research in informatics and computer science. Hubs are focused on building relationships locally and delivering a range of activities that span across The Data Lab’s three key areas: Collaborative Innovation; Skills & Training; and Community Building. The Data Lab bid was industry-led, headed by the Scottish Technology Advisory Group’s Big Data Lead, ScotlandIS, Lockheed Martin, DC Thomson-owned brightsolid and SAS, one of the world’s largest software companies. The investment is projected to return a minimum of 345 new jobs and an additional £155 million of value to the Scottish Economy