The government is taking steps to develop its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems rather than relying on outsourcing to IT firms. Cabinet Office minister, Alex Burghart, has stated that highly skilled AI specialists are willing to work for the government at a lower salary in order to contribute to waste reduction and productivity improvement efforts. This shift in approach comes after previous IT procurement disasters, such as the Post Office Horizon system, which have highlighted the need for greater control and oversight in the development and implementation of AI technologies.
The government aims to build an in-house team of experts who have a deep understanding of nascent AI technology. These experts will be responsible for developing AI solutions that can be utilized across all government departments. Burghart has spoken of the enthusiasm among individuals in the private sector to transition to government roles and contribute to the next generation of AI technologies.
One idea being explored by the Cabinet Office is the creation of an “AI red box”, which would revolutionize the way ministers receive important documents. This AI system would be capable of reading, summarizing, and connecting relevant information, resulting in an institutional memory within the department. This would help retain important knowledge and experiences of previous policies and successes, even when staff turnover is high.
The government is currently in the process of recruiting 30 AI experts and is seeking additional funding in the Spring Budget to support the development of AI systems across government departments. The goal is to leverage AI technology to reduce fraud and error, as well as to enhance productivity. While there may be concerns about the impact on civil service jobs, Burghart believes that AI can make certain tasks easier and cheaper for the British public, potentially leading to a smaller civil service in the future.