THE number of data science projects supported by Scottish innovation centre The Data Lab has more than doubled in the last year to 52.

This rise means the projected contribution to the Scottish economy has jumped to £70 million, from £34m this time last year.

The data projects will create 250 new jobs in Scotland of which 190 will be high value positions, helping to attract and retain the brightest minds in data science.

Gillian Docherty, head of The Data Lab and CEO of the Year at the Digital Technology Awards, said: “There is no doubt, Scotland is seizing the data opportunity. The rate of growth we’ve seen over the past year is testament to burgeoning demand from across the public and private sector.

“Scotland boasts a unique infrastructure of world class academic institutions and inspiring landscape of start-ups and entrepreneurialism, so it’s no wonder we’re seeing more international organisations taking advantage.

“With companies that range from SkyScanner to start-ups who continue to challenge and enter new territories with data science, Scotland’s international reputation will only continue to grow.”

Scotland’s global position was cemented by the success of the inaugural DataFest at the end of March, attracting 2000 delegates from over 40 countries.

At the event, UNICEF’s research policy planning specialist Natalia Adler heralded Scotland as having an “ecosystem of problem solvers and data-rich companies”.