Investing in smart factory technologies would create 6000 manufacturing jobs in Scotland over the next decade, a new report suggests.

The study found that investing in "fourth industrial revolution" (4IR) technologies such as machine learning, sensors and big data could provide a huge economic boost for the sector and could enable UK manufacturing to "accelerate its sluggish recovery".

The new research from Barclays Corporate Banking found that more than three quarters (76%) of the 50 respondents in Scotland are confident about Britain's ability to compete in the international marketplace over the next five years.

Four in 10 (42%) manufacturers in Scotland attribute their confidence to 4IR technologies which they believe will boost the productivity of their business.

More than half (54%) of those who have already invested report that the adoption of 4IR technologies has freed up staff to concentrate on more highly skilled work, while (51%) have seen improved productivity.

However, the research found that there is still resistance to investing in the very latest innovations, with 16% of manufacturers in Scotland yet to invest in 4IR technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

Jamie Grant, head of corporate banking for Barclays in Scotland, said manufacturers should consider investing in the new technology.

He said: "Our research shows that manufacturers see the benefits of this cutting-edge technology, and many have started to match their intentions with investment. However, we are at a watershed.

"While the outlay may seem expensive for many at a time of uncertainty, the industry needs to raise its levels of investment in the skills and infrastructure needed to harness these new technologies and keep us more productive than other international manufacturing hubs. Businesses that make the leap will be rewarded.

"British manufacturing is going through another industrial revolution, but confidence alone does not translate into success and benefit.

"With sterling currently weaker and a robust appetite from domestic and international markets for British goods, the industry is in a strong position to take advantage of the opportunities investing in fourth industrial revolution technologies can bring."

Economic modelling included within the report predicts that manufacturers could boost the sector by an additional £102bn per year across the UK by 2026, provided 4IR sees greater adoption and investment over the coming years.

It also found that the UK economy could benefit from an extra 101,000 additional direct jobs by 2026, 6000 of them in Scotland.

The Barclays Corporate Banking Smart Manufacturing Report: Investing for transformation, is based on a survey conducted by Opinium and Economic Modelling conducted by Development Economics.

The survey was carried out in September 2017 with 508 decision makers in the manufacturing industry.