Mr Gavin Whitefield CBE Chief Executive North Lanarkshire Council Civic Centre Windmillhill Street MOTHERWELL MLI 1TW

22-26 George Street Edinburgh, Scotland UK EH2 2PQ

Tel +44 (0)131240 5000 Fax +44 (0)131240 5024 Web w.royalsoced.org.uk

18 April 2012

Dear Mr Whitefield,

RSE Inquiry: Digital Participation - Reaping the Benefits of a Digital Scotland

The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, periodically undertakes major inquiries on issues of key importance to Scotland’s future social and economic prosperity, these have covered such topics as Facing up to Climate Change, the Future of Scotland’s Hills and Islands, and Scotland’s Energy Future. It is now proposing to undertake an inquiry into addressing the challenges of low levels of digital participation in Scotland, and how digital technologies can be used for maximum social, economic and cultural benefit.

Digital technologies are changing society in Scotland and beyond but surveys consistently show that Scotland lags behind the UK average in digital take-up, particularly amongst some of the hardest to reach groups within society, and amongst its small business community. The RSE is in a unique position to be able to bring together expertise in technology, social sciences, business and public service delivery to tackle the key questions of how people and organisations can be encouraged to creatively use the internet, and be supported to do so. Only then will Scotland be able to ensure that every community can benefit from its digital infrastructure, helping to reduce, rather than widen, the social divide.

We enclose a project summary that outlines the background to the inquiry, its remit and its expected outcomes. We are writing to ask if you would be prepared to give the RSE some support for this project. We are keenly aware of the central role of local authorities, both in advancing digital inclusion and in utilising digital technologies to deliver services in more innovative and efficient ways. While the Scottish Government starts to progress its Digital Infrastructure Action Plan, we hope our project will complement that work by providing an informed analysis and recommendations on how such infrastructure can be used by all to full effect. We look forward to engaging with local authorities as we explore how Scotland can position itself at the forefront of innovation in this area.

A key requirement for the RSE to be able to undertake this inquiry is to raise funding from a range of sources. Members of the Inquiry Committee will give their time voluntarily, but funding is necessary to cover support expenses, original research, evidence-gathering events across Scotland, publication and dissemination. Based on the work plan for the inquiry we require around f150,000, and we are seeking contributions from a range of sources, including industry, charities, NGOs and local councils.

199 The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, is Scottish charity No. SC000470

We do hope that you will agree that this inquiry is worthwhile and that, even at a time of such immediate economic challenges, you will be able to provide some support. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this project in more detail with you and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Professor Michael Fourman FRSE (Chair) Chair of Computer Systems, University of Edinburgh

Professor Alan Alexander OBE FRSE (Vice Chair) Emeritus Professor of Public Sector Management, Strathclyde Business School

200 The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, is Scottish Charity No. SC000470

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