Indian IT model in Scotland

A top legal expert on outsourcing is in the process of setting up a think tank that will seek to replicate the Bangalore model of information technology activity in Scotland to attract global business. Called ‘Scottish Bangalore’, expert Mr Andrew Rigby believes that Scotland could build on its existing strengths in call centres and financial services, and replicate Bangalore’s prosperity based on outsourcing by global companies.

Mr Rigby is in the process of bringing together Scottish government officials, economic development and inward investment agency executives and leading business figures to bring a coordinated approach to the enterprise. "Leaders across the political spectrum have been supportive of his moves," he told The Herald. Mr Rigby believes that while Scotland is recognised as a significant player in the call centre industry, it must move up the value chain and become a major player in the global "business process outsourcing" and even more sophisticated "knowledge process outsourcing" arenas.

Scotland, he said, must persuade big global providers of outsourced services to set up base there and also encourage the development of home-grown players in this sector to grab the opportunity which this fast-growing market presents. In this regard, he pointed to the decision of Tata Consultancy Services decision to locate in the English Midlands as a missed opportunity for Scotland. TCS works in close collaboration with the Coventry-based Warwick Manufacturing Group led by Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya.