In response to the government’s announcement of its AI Opportunities Action Plan, Dr Iain Brown, Head of Data Science at SAS and recognised as one of the UK’s foremost experts in data and AI, highlights the critical importance of a robust and responsible strategy for successful AI adoption in the public sector.
The government’s plan to support AI adoption has the potential to unlock significant productivity gains for the UK, reducing costs associated with public services and driving faster, data-driven decisions to fuel innovation across industries.
However, for this plan to succeed, it must be underpinned by a strong data management framework and the deployment of trustworthy AI. While AI is undoubtedly a force for good, it is crucial to address the responsible use of AI at every stage of implementation.
A comprehensive data strategy is essential to ensure the availability of high-quality, unbiased data. Without it, there is a risk of model inaccuracies or biased outcomes that could undermine public trust. Mitigating this risk requires a focus on transparency, accountability, and compliance with regulations such as the EU AI Act.
For example, SAS’s work with HMRC demonstrates the importance of robust data-driven insights in the fight against fraud and tax evasion. Our solutions have helped HMRC identify suspicious patterns in real time, recovering billions in taxpayer funds while maintaining fairness and transparency in enforcement. This illustrates how responsible AI can deliver significant public sector impact when grounded in high-quality data.
Human oversight will be vital to the success of any AI deployment. Our experience at SAS, having implemented thousands of AI solutions for the public and private sectors, shows that human intervention at key stages - from solution design to ongoing review - is critical for maintaining model performance and ensuring responsible use.
All models degrade over time, so continuous monitoring and adaptation are necessary to sustain meaningful insights.
The government must also consider the environmental impact of its AI infrastructure. Ambitious plans like this may strain resources in designated AI Growth Zones. To avoid this, AI implementations should align with national and local sustainability targets, ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of increased emissions or resource strain.
This announcement represents a significant milestone for the UK’s AI journey. By focusing on strategic decision-making and high-level automation, this plan can help overcome longstanding public sector challenges and pave the way for transformative improvements in service delivery.
However, to fully realise these benefits, it is crucial that the government partners with trusted experts who have the proven capability to operationalise AI at scale. Collaborating with experienced leaders will ensure that the strategy is executed effectively, delivering transparent, sustainable, and impactful outcomes for future generations.