Cisco and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) have announced a new strategic partnership to accelerate the adoption of AI, improve public services and expand digital skills across the UK.
The partnership will run until 2030 under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), supporting the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and linking Cisco’s technology and skills programs with DSIT’s national digital transformation ambitions.
The announcement comes a year after Cisco released the UK and Ireland Manifesto, a pledge to help build a more digitally inclusive society through investment in communities, skills development and technology partnerships.
Sarah Walker, chief executive of Cisco UK and Ireland, said the initiative reflected a shared commitment to ensuring the benefits of digital transformation were widely felt.
“We believe that a functioning digital society for everyone is not out of reach, nor is it the responsibility of any one person or organization, which is why collaboration is so important,” she said.
“Today’s announcement marks a year of progress towards our commitment to setting a clear path to future impact and helping to build a more inclusive and digital UK and Ireland.”
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said the partnership was an example of the collaboration needed to realize the UK’s AI ambitions.
“Partnerships like this one with Cisco are truly powering the future of AI in the UK,” he said.
“Our world-class expertise, combined with our goal to upskill 10 million people by 2030, will ensure that the benefits of AI are felt not just in boardrooms and technology hubs, but in classrooms, hospitals and high streets across the country.”
Barnsley becomes Britain’s first ‘tech town’
A central element of the agreement is support for Barnsley’s development as the UK’s first tech town, a program aimed at exploring how AI can be applied in real-world environments at the intersection of digital infrastructure, skills and public services.
Cisco and DSIT will work together to identify projects that use AI technology and skills programs to support economic growth and improve outcomes for local residents. The initiative will begin with an 18-month pilot aimed at creating a model that can be replicated elsewhere in the UK.
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The project builds on existing government efforts to drive regional innovation and spread the benefits of AI beyond established technology hubs.
Healthcare Living Lab Schedule
The partners will also explore establishing a healthcare ‘Living Lab’ in Barnsley through the Lister Alliance.
The proposed facility will bring together public sector organizations, NHS bodies, universities and industry partners to test new technologies in a live healthcare environment.
Initial focus areas will include improving outpatient appointment management and expanding virtual care services. Lessons learned from the pilot could be shared with NHS trusts across the country.
This initiative reflects a growing interest within health services in using AI and data-driven technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce administrative burden.
Expanding AI and digital skills
In addition to technology implementation, the partnership also focuses on digital skills development.
Cisco joins the government’s AI Skills Hub as a strategic partner, supporting the national goal of helping 10 million people access basic AI training by 2030.
The company said its Cisco Networking Academy, which has trained around 600,000 people in the UK and Ireland to date, will play a central role in its efforts. According to Cisco, 100,000 people have completed Networking Academy training in the past year.
The agreement also strengthens support for the government’s TechFirst program, which aims to provide technology and AI learning opportunities to one million secondary school students.
Cisco has committed to a range of education and outreach initiatives, including 8,000 hours of employee volunteering over the next four years, engaging 9,000 students through careers programs and providing work experience opportunities to 7,000 young people in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
The company will also offer over 260 university and T-level placements, as well as dedicated placements for female and non-binary students.
