National Software Strategy for Scotland : The Way Forward

Implementation

We recommend that the major partners and stakeholders in the Scottish software community be involved in the translation of these broad strategic themes and programmes into a set of more specific concrete initiatives.

The executional capability of those delivering and facilitating the initiatives is the most important ingredient in their success, and the achievement of strategic change.

Knowledge Institute for Scottish Software

To facilitate this process, and to provide better institutional linkages and knowledge sharing we propose the establishment of a Knowledge Institute for Scottish Software (KISS). This could be a virtual organisation, developing strong networks and linkages both locally and internationally.

It could be nested in an existing institution (e.g. Scottish Business School) and provide the base for knowledge sharing. It would be a candidate to drive and link some of the proposed initiatives, for example those relating to networking, and the “access to expertise” component within skills.

In looking to implement the strategy, we recommend that the following issues are taken into account:

• this strategy highlights key trends that will put increased competitive pressure on Scottish Software. This threat is the basis of a powerful business case that drives the need for the strategy;
• the themes of internationalisation, productisation and innovation provide a clear focus for the way forward for Scotland;
• the strategy represents a significant but welcome change for the industry that requires “change leadership”. This leadership can only come from the key players in the industry;
• implementation requires communication specific to the software community and should aim for the widest stakeholder commitment.

The immediate next step is for the key stakeholders to refine, scope and assess the initiatives in the light of the existing industry input to them. Then, once priorities are agreed, the stakeholder will define key tasks, roles and resources. The refined initiatives would then be put in place without delay.