UK government urged to modernise for effective AI use

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the UK government has become a significant focus following recent discussions and reports highlighting both challenges and opportunities. Insightful commentary from industry experts, Nicky Furlong of SAS and Hicham Mabchour of Dynatrace, underscores the critical need for strategic investment and structural modernisation if AI is to fulfil its potential in transforming public sector operations.

The Public Accounts Committee's latest report has brought AI use in the government to public attention, referencing a SAS survey that identified key barriers to effective deployment. Nicky Furlong, SAS Northern Europe Head of Public Sector, Health & Life Sciences, emphasised that the government's AI efforts are hindered by legacy IT systems, fragmented data sharing, and a skills gap. She noted that 69% of surveyed government officials pinpointed outdated infrastructure as a major obstacle to AI adoption.

Furlong advocates for urgent investment to overcome these challenges, suggesting that without substantial updates, AI will struggle to progress beyond elementary implementation stages in public services. She also pointed out that poor data sharing and a lack of public-private sector collaboration are preventing the government from realising AI's full potential. Furlong calls for transparency, trust, and strong governance as fundamental elements of AI deployment within government institutions.

In alignment with Furlong's observations, Hicham Mabchour, UKI Country Leader & Regional Vice President of Dynatrace, provided his perspective in response to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent announcement of further investment in AI technology for the public sector. Mabchour highlights the need for clear policies and a comprehensive data strategy to ensure AI tools bring genuine value.

Mabchour asserts that a well-defined data strategy is crucial for improving processes focused on citizens. He suggests that government agencies must first identify areas needing enhancement and establish robust data capture systems to underpin AI deployments. This strategic approach is essential to avoid merely layering AI onto outdated systems, which risks reducing its efficacy.

The expert further emphasises the importance of building confidence in AI models through a clear understanding of their capabilities and limitations. He notes that AI's success lies in its application to specific challenges with clearly defined outcomes and transparency. This requires embedding a skilled, AI-fluent workforce within governmental operations to ensure practical skills and deep understanding are developed.

Both Furlong and Mabchour agree that AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but, if strategically applied, it can be a transformative force for the public sector. They urge the UK government to tackle structural challenges head-on to establish the nation as a leader in trustworthy and effective AI governance. The recent reports and expert opinions highlight that while foundational steps have been laid through initiatives like the AI Action Plan, ongoing, tangible progress is vital for realising AI's potential in enhancing government efficiency and productivity.