[18/06/2025] Professor Michael Rovatsos, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, has been appointed as an Expert Advisor to the newly established Scottish Technology Council. The Council has been created by the Scottish Government to provide strategic advice on how to harness the full economic potential of Scotland’s growing technology sector. The Scottish Technology Council brings together leading figures from academia and industry to support Ministers in shaping policy, strengthening collaboration between government and business, and promoting Scotland’s technology capabilities on the global stage. The initiative delivers on a Programme for Government commitment to establish a council of global experts to advise on emerging technological trends and their economic impact. Professor Rovatsos is one of two academics from the University of Edinburgh appointed to the Council. He is joined by Professor Melissa Terras, Professor of Digital Cultural Heritage at Edinburgh College of Art, who brings expertise in digital innovation in the cultural and creative industries. We are at a pivotal moment, where Scotland’s ability to capitalise on its outstanding talent, cutting-edge research, and flourishing tech ecosystem will determine how our society and economy can benefit from advances in technology that are taking place at a breathtaking pace.I am delighted to be able to support the government’s efforts as part of this group, and make sure our world-class universities play a significant in realising our collective ambition to ensure Scotland thrives by increasing our global visibility, attracting inward investment, and making sure we use technology to improve everybody’s lives. Professor Michael Rovatsos Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the School of Informatics, The University of Edinburgh Professor Rovatsos serves on the Board of The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, and as the University’s academic liaison to The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and AI. From 2018 to 2023, he was Director of the Bayes Centre, the University’s innovation hub for data science and AI, and he led the development of the University’s AI Strategy as Deputy Vice Principal Research (AI) from 2020 to 2022. He currently leads on AI Adoption at the University, supporting the integration of AI across research, teaching, and operations. His research focuses on multi-agent systems and the development of ethical and responsible AI. With a career in AI spanning over two decades, Professor Rovatsos brings deep technical expertise in advising organisations on AI adoption and a strong commitment to ensuring that AI technologies are developed and applied in ways that benefit society. Building on a strong economic foundation The Council’s formation comes at a time when Scotland’s technology sector is already a major contributor to the economy. In 2022, the country’s 6,800 information and communication technology enterprises employed nearly 68,000 people, while the broader life sciences cluster supported an additional 46,900 jobs. The Council will play a key role in advising on how to build on this foundation to create high-value jobs, boost international trade, and support public services through increased tax revenues. Innovation is part of Scotland’s DNA. It is embedded in our culture and our society – and it has the potential to turbocharge our economy. From leading the industrial revolution to television, ultrasound and pioneering renewable technology, Scotland’s inventions have helped shape the world around us and transformed industries and lives.Our goal is to help Scotland become a leading tech nation. To ensure the world recognises our pioneering spirit as not just a thing of the past, but as a vital part of our future and to create an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish, develop new technologies and drive meaningful change.Our world is increasingly fast-paced and the council will provide valuable insight from vastly experienced leaders in their fields, who have built their careers at the cutting edge, as we strive to support the sector to deliver high value jobs for generations of Scots, boost international trade and increase our tax revenue to deliver vital public services. Richard Lochhead Minister for Business and Employment Related links Link to New Scottish Technology Council announcement on Scottish Government web… Link to Professor Michael Rovatsos' personal page Tags 2025 Research Staff Publication date 18 Jun, 2025
