In this episode of the Fraser of Allander podcast, Mairi Spowage is joined by Paul Lawrence, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, and Phil Cragg, Associate Director at Deloitte, to explore Edinburgh’s economy and what artificial intelligence could mean for its future. Together they discuss why Edinburgh stands out as a leading AI city, the opportunities that creates for innovation and public services, and the risks AI may pose to graduate jobs and the wider labour market. The conversation also examines the city’s broader growth challenges – from housing and affordability to commercial space, talent and infrastructure – and asks what Edinburgh should do next to turn its strengths into long-term economic success.
This is accompanied by analysis of the Edinburgh economy which discusses the role that Edinburgh has as Scotland’s engine of growth, and the position of the capital to take the opportunities, and mitigate the threats, of the AI revolution.
This episode is the latest in a series partnering Deloitte with the Fraser of Allander Institute. In this series expect lively debate, expert insights, and thought-provoking discussions that will reshape the conversation around Scottish economic growth. This Scottish-focused initiative builds upon Deloitte’s UK-wide Growth 35 programme, painting a bold vision for a thriving UK economy by 2035.
(00:00) Welcome and episode overview
(00:57) Meet Paul Lawrence and Phil Cragg
(06:20) Why Edinburgh matters to Scotland’s economy
(11:42) Edinburgh’s regional economy and city region approach
(14:09) The constraints on growth: housing, affordability and space
(17:46) Why Edinburgh stands out as an AI city
(20:47) AI opportunity and labour market risk
(28:07) Can AI improve public services?
(38:39) Universities, talent and Edinburgh’s innovation ecosystem
(44:29) What should Edinburgh do next?
You can get the transcript here.
Authors
Mairi is the Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute. Previously, she was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Head of National Accounts at the Scottish Government and has over a decade of experience working in different areas of statistics and analysis.
Paul Lawrence
Paul is the Chief Executive of Edinburgh City Council.
Phil Cragg
Phil Cragg is an Associate Director at Deloitte.
Aidan is a Knowledge Exchange Assistant at the Fraser of Allander Institute.