Nicola Sturgeon has said she hopes Scotland will become a leading country in embracing 5G technology.

The First Minister spoke in Glasgow on Monday as the Scottish Government unveiled a new plan to support use of the technology.

5G is the next generation of mobile network and is expected to offer internet speeds several times faster than the current generation, 4G.

A Deloitte report commissioned by the Scottish Futures Trust suggests 5G could enable Scotland to add about £17 billion to GDP by 2035 and create 160,000 jobs.

Under the plan set out, the Government proposes to fund development of 5G use across the country, as well as continuing to support current projects, along with a range of other measures.

“Our 5G plan sets out the actions we believe are needed to ensure as much of Scotland as possible shares in the vast potential growth on offer. Our aspiration is to position Scotland as a 5G leader and a forward-looking digital nation. 5G offers rich potential – opportunities to enhance Scotland’s global competitiveness, achieve economic growth and drive innovation across our public and private sectors.” said Ms Sturgeon.

“There are huge potential gains for the public sector if we embrace technologies such as 5G. We believe this will be a catalyst for further public sector transformation, enabling high quality, user-focused and efficient services that are driven by data.”

During a visit to the University of Glasgow she spoke to several researchers about how the technology can benefit public sectors with a focus on the NHS.

As a former health secretary in Scotland, Ms Sturgeon was shown how 5G can send a non-invasive blood glucose test can be carried out and monitored by doctors miles away from where the patient is.

Professor Chris Pearce, from the university, said: “5G is a next-generation network technology which is faster, has the potential to revolutionise digital communications and create real social impact in Scotland from public health to the environment.

“Our researchers, led by Professor Muhammad Imran at the University of Glasgow, are developing 5G technologies to facilitate remote health monitoring without invasive measurements and without the need for wearable sensors.

“They are also working to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions of cellular networks and are developing low-cost pop-up networks.

“These can be deployed quickly and efficiently during large sporting events or disaster scenarios to bring temporary connectivity to the area, strengthening Scotland’s resilience capacity.

“The University of Glasgow has been working with academic partners, including the University of Strathclyde and Scottish Futures Trust, on 5G and we are delighted that the Scottish Government’s 5G strategy recognises the importance this technology will have in creating services and applications that will benefit our NHS, industry and people right across Scotland.”

Prof Imran told the PA news agency how the technology demonstrated to Ms Sturgeon could potentially benefit the environments for assisted living and care homes.

He added: “Of course this technology will work with limited access to the network as well. It’s not just 5G that will enable these healthcare technologies. Connectivity is important. 5G will take it one step further in future.

“A nurse can remotely diagnose using ultrasound equipment or even a surgeon can remotely operate on patients. That is what 5G will really enable in the future.

“Scotland is on the right track to achieving all this in the near future.”

Andrew McRae, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland’s policy chairman, said: “Scotland needs to be in the digital fast lane because the next generation of mobile technologies have the potential to boost growth and drive innovation.

“Three-quarters of Scottish businesses say that digital technologies are important to their plans for future growth. But to deliver on this ambition, firms need access to the right skills and high quality digital infrastructure.

“For this reason, decision-makers in Scotland need to do everything they can to ensure Scotland is at the forefront of the 5G revolution. This new 5G strategy is a step in the right direction.”

With any advancements in technology, there are always perceived barriers to innovation- such as access to funding. However, one way to encourage investment in innovation is R&D tax credits. This Government backed scheme can allow your business to reclaim up to 33p for every £1 spent.

For companies wishing to take a step in the direction of 5G, this is a scheme should not be overlooked. Speak to one of our experts to see if you are eligible.