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Mr Harvie begins by bemoaning the "savage irony" that he was "foolish enough to trust this thing with my notes", as he brandishes a gadget.

He explains it has frozen and now he will have to wing it.

The Green MSP goes on to reiterate his frustration of being locked into the walled garden of Microsoft at the parliament.

Mr Carson suggests Mr Harvie tries rebooting his gadget and highlights the frustration farmers feel when they lose the internet.

The Scottish Green Party co-convener warns against the obsession of ensuring the complete roll-out of superfast broadband when some people have no connectivity.

He also warns against exploitative big tech companies where people can be expected to work way over their working hours.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) could create more jobs than it displaces in Scotland over the next 20 years, according to a report.

Research by professional services firm PwC suggested AI could create 558,000 Scottish posts by 2037.

Over the same period 544,000 jobs could be lost as a result of automation - resulting in a net increase of 14,000.

PwC said the new jobs could come from innovations such as drones, robotics and driverless vehicles.

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Labour MSP James Kelly says the minister was right to highlight the important contribution the digital economy makes to Scotland's economy and the importance of getting it right.

Mr Kelly says for those who find it difficult to make ends meet and there is not the money available to enable access to information technology.

This is detrimental not just to individuals, but also the economy, he says.

Mr Kelly insists: "It is absolutely key that automation does not mean that people are left behind."

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Image source, Getty Images

A drive to train 100,000 Scots in data skills over the next decade has been launched by two of Edinburgh's universities.

Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt said the new venture could transform the area into "the data capital of Europe".

It is thought Scotland needs about 13,000 additional workers each year with data skills.

To help address that, the two universities are to increase data science teaching.

Read more.

Tory MSP Finlay Carson says he hopes the R100 broadband programme will deliver for the south of Scotland, insisting that people should not be left behind.

Scotland's universities have a global reputation for developing artificial intelligence, he says.

But it is harder to bring new technologies to rural areas, the Tory MSP suggests.

The Tory digital economy spokesperson insists the Scottish government must show leadership on technology.

He also calls for the creation of a data strategy to unlock further potential here.

Image source, Scottish parliament

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Ms Forbes says: "There are clearly barriers other than connectivity that we must address."

The minister explains digital represents a clear opportunity for Scotland and for disadvantaged people.

She says if we can harness the power of digital so that companies did not have to submit information multiple times, this will have benefits.

The digital economy minister calls on MSPs to champion the digital economy.

Digital Economy Minister Kate Forbes says the digital sector requires 12,800 new employees per year "just to stand still".

She also notes that the sector is dominated by small firms which require more support.

Government-backed programmes have supported companies into making use of digital technology, she says.

While broadband access issues limit the benefits of digital technology for some firms, there is also evidence that those that do have internet access are not necessarily making the most of it.

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Digital economy refers to an economy that is based on digital computing technologies, although we increasingly perceive this as conducting business through markets based on the internet.

It has three main components: e-business, e-commerce and e-business infrastructure.

Digital Economy Minister Kate Forbes is leading this debate, titled 'Developing Scotland’s Digital Industries for our Economic Future', on behalf of the government.

Image source, Scottish parliament

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Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton particularly welcomes that young parents under the age of 18 won't need a qualifying benefit to apply for a best start grant.

Mr Cole-Hamilton calls for that provision to be extended to people with care experience, up until the age of 25.

Ms Somerville insists the government is delivering for care experienced young people and adds the vast majority of those people will access the grant through the regulations.

She says she is confident that the government is delivering for young people and care experienced people in particular.

Scottish Green co-convener Patrick Harvie asks about research into the reasons for low uptake of benefits.

He suggests lack of awareness is not the only factor in people not applying for benefits, and he highlights the benefits of income maximisation projects.

The cabinet secretary says take-up is not just being looked at alone, but also at how certain communities respond to new benefits as a whole.

Forecasting looks seriously at the issue and we will update parliament on our take-up strategy in due course, she adds.

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Labour MSP Mark Griffin says he is grateful for the government's decision to diverge from the two child cap in Scotland.

"My daugher Eva turned three on Sunday," explains Mr Giriffin and he adds she started nursery this afternoon and he lists the kit she needed for her first day.

Would the cabinet secretary think about payments of £250 to children who have turned three as families will be under real pressure.

Ms Somerville says: "Can I begin by wishing Eva a very happy birthday."

She sympathises that Mr Griffin is here listening to her rather than at the nursery, however Mr Griffin says he was able to take her to there earlier.

Ms Somerville adds she is very mindful it is important early learning and school payments must be made as quickly as possible.

The minister expects to be able to do that by the summer next year.

Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne welcomes the roll out of the new benefit before Christmas.

However, she queries how this will be publicised.

Ms Somerville says today was the earliest possible moment to make this announcement.

She accepts this means publicising the new benefit is a priority, pointing to adverts being put in newspapers and on radio, as well as ensuring the message reaches stakeholders like nurses.

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The social security secretary says the total payments will be to 39,000 people at a cost of £12.1m.

Ms Somerville tells the chamber the preparation for the launch has not been without its challenges, citing the DWP missing deadlines.

The minister says the government did not want parents to be affected by the DWP delay.

Ms Somerville reveals she has written to UK Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd to welcome her to her post, but adds this is the 18th time the Scottish government has called for the halt of the roll out of Universal Credit.