Scottish Labour has published its 2026 election manifesto, placing technology and digital skills at the heart of its vision for Scotland's future. The document, released ahead of the May 2026 Scottish Parliament Election, sets out ambitious plans to modernise the NHS, boost business productivity through digital adoption, and expand the country's Techscaler programme. With a strong emphasis on closing the economic performance gap, Labour pledges to deliver between £600m and £700m in additional public spending by 2030/31 through improved productivity and innovation.
NHS digital transformation
A central pillar of the manifesto is the modernisation of Scotland's NHS, which Labour describes as 'stuck in the analogue age'. The party promises to accelerate work on Scotland's own NHS app, ensuring every health board can use it within 100 days of the election. A virtual hospital programme will enable patients to attend outpatient consultations from home, reducing travel burdens and freeing up clinical capacity. The creation of a single patient record is also pledged, aiming to join up care across different providers.
Labour also commits to expanding wearable technology, allowing patients to monitor chronic conditions and take action without GP visits, and to invest in AI-enabled scanners to speed up diagnosis. These digital initiatives will be funded by a dedicated £680m pot specifically for digital and technological improvements in the NHS.
Digital skills and business support
Beyond healthcare, the manifesto focuses on closing Scotland's digital skills gap. Labour plans to deliver £15m in digital adoption funding to help businesses improve productivity, and will launch a single industrial strategy in partnership with businesses. 'Innovation helps Scottish businesses stay competitive, open new markets and build resilient local supply chains,' the manifesto states. 'Technological innovation does not stand still and so neither can Scotland if our growing tech sector is to thrive.'
Key to this is the expansion of the Techscaler network, originally launched by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2022. The network currently includes incubators in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Stirling, Aberdeen, Dumfries and Inverness. Labour wants to expand into geographic gaps and areas where it can have most impact on business growth. Dedicated support for creative technology businesses is also promised.
The manifesto introduces a Digital Skills Passport – a digital record of an individual's skills, qualifications, work experience and training, shareable with employers. This will also be available to apprentices. Labour also vows to embed digital skills in the school curriculum, teaching students to ethically use technology and navigate AI and social media risks, and to ban mobile phones in classrooms.
Tackling digital exclusion
Recognising that digital access is crucial for participation in modern society, Labour promises a digital mentors network with volunteers in community spaces such as supermarkets and libraries, offering targeted assistance to those less likely to seek help. 'Digital access and skills are crucial for participation in modern society, but the urgency to tackle digital exclusion has been lost,' the manifesto says. 'We want Scotland to realise the benefits of new technology and digitisation, so Scottish Labour will provide the leadership needed to tackle digital poverty.'
Labour also pledges to create 'digital playgrounds' – digital equipment in public spaces like libraries and museums where young people can safely engage with technology. Every local authority will have to appoint a digital champion responsible for coordinating digital inclusion policy and connectivity.
Economic growth through technology
According to Scottish Labour, the plan can close the economic performance gap and deliver £600-700m to spend on public services by 2030/31. 'This economic growth would be delivered through our plans to transform skills and employability, overhaul planning, increase innovation and improve productivity through adoption of new technologies,' the manifesto explains. 'This would all be underpinned by our new industrial strategy and a relentless focus on business growth from the Cabinet down to refocused government agencies.'
The manifesto's heavy focus on technology reflects a broader trend across UK political parties, but Labour's emphasis on digital skills and NHS modernisation positions it as a party looking to harness innovation for public service improvement. With the election just weeks away, the document sets the stage for a debate on how best to drive Scotland's digital future.
Historical context and comparison
Scotland has long sought to position itself as a tech hub. The Techscaler programme, paired with previous investments in data infrastructure and AI, has aimed to foster a start-up ecosystem. However, critics argue that progress has been uneven and that digital exclusion remains high, particularly in rural areas. Labour's manifesto attempts to address these gaps by linking skills, infrastructure and public services in a coherent strategy.
Compared to other parties, Labour's proposals are more detailed on digital health and skills, while the Scottish National Party (SNP) has focused on broadband rollout and data centres. The Scottish Conservatives have emphasised deregulation and tax incentives. Labour's £680m NHS digital fund is a standout commitment, though some question whether it will be enough to transform a health service struggling with long waiting times.
The manifesto also draws on lessons from other countries. Estonia's digital health record system and Singapore's SkillsFuture programme are often cited as models. Labour's Digital Skills Passport mirrors similar initiatives in Australia and Canada, aiming to give workers portable credentials in a fast-changing economy.
With the election debate now underway, technology has moved from a niche concern to a central battleground. Scottish Labour's 2026 manifesto makes clear that it sees digital transformation as key to both economic growth and public service renewal.
Source: ComputerWeekly.com News