17.11.2008
The Convener of the Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee visits Dundee today to hear first-hand about the challenges facing Scotland’s software development industry and the value of the sector to the Scottish economy.
Iain Smith MSP is meeting staff from the School of Computing and Creative Technologies at Abertay University, and also Realtime Worlds, an award-winning software technology company employing 200 staff between its headquarters in Dundee and America.
Mr Smith MSP said: “The visit to Dundee will allow me, on behalf of the committee, to learn first-hand about the worth of the software development industry to the Scottish economy and, importantly, what the challenges are for the future.
"In terms of software development for the international gaming market, Scotland has reported a number of successes in recent years. It is important for the committee to understand more about the industry, where it is going and if there are measures that can be taken to ensure Scotland continues to be a strong force at an international level within this sector.”
Background
Mr Smith MSP will visit Realtime Worlds in Dundee, meeting staff and touring the premises to find out about the skills and technology required to develop new software.
He will hear about the economic contribution of the software development industry and the challenges it faces in the future, feeding information back to the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee.
The visit will also provide the committee with an opportunity to see the education facilities available at the School of Computing and Creative Technologies within Abertay University.