Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is set to transform every sector of our economy, from manufacturing to agriculture, by providing reliable data about the world around us.
There are many examples of IoT in use in Scotland such as:
- monitoring river levels for flooding
- preventing damp in social housing
- understanding the performance of industrial machinery
- monitoring the health and wellbeing of livestock
A nationwide IoT network
Between 2018 and 2021, the Scottish Government invested £2.7 million in the development of a nationwide IoT network known as IoT Scotland. This project was a collaboration with Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and North.
Rural use case
In 2023, the Scottish Government funded the Western Isles IoT project. It took on 3 strands of IoT activity:
- community storage documents
- traffic monitoring along rural roads
- water monitoring in peatlands project
NatureScot took ownership of the Peatlands IoT database and kit at the end of the project.
CENSIS IoT Evolve programme
The CENSIS IoT Evolve programme has supported the development of IoT technologies by small to medium enterprises across the north of Scotland. Funded by the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the programme should deliver a range of productivity and efficiency savings and net zero benefits.
Work with Scottish local authorities
In 2024, the Scottish Government, in partnership with CENSIS and the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, funded a series of blueprints aiding IoT adoption. These focus on challenges and opportunities for local authorities.