The surprise abolition of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has sparked a fierce debate among tech experts, with warnings that it could lead to a fragmented approach to key technological areas. The decision, revealed through a leaked internal document, will see the redistribution of responsibilities across three separate departments - a move that's left many questioning its long-term implications for the UK's AI and digital capabilities.
Sarah Munby, who played a crucial role in establishing DSIT, has expressed deep concerns about the reallocation of functions. She highlights the department's unique strength lies in its integrated approach to data, digital capabilities, and AI, and stresses that clarity is urgently needed to avoid harming the tech sector, international partnerships, and government staff.
Under the new blueprint, the Government Digital Service (GDS), GOV.UK, digital identity initiatives, cyber policy, and chief technology and data officers will move to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Meanwhile, the AI Security Institute will transfer to the Cabinet Office. The revamped Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST) will absorb UK Research and Innovation, the Sovereign AI Fund, science policy, AI adoption strategies, and advanced technology teams.
The shake-up has also raised urgent questions in the House of Lords, with peers pressing ministers to clarify who will ultimately be accountable for AI policy. Lord Tarassenko warned that implementing these changes could take around a year - an eternity in the fast-paced world of AI, where continuity is crucial. This has led to concerns about the fate of flagship AI programmes during this transitional period.
Cabinet Office minister Baroness Anderson responded to the concerns by stating that the reorganisation aims to place science and AI at the heart of government. She outlined the planned transfers, including the AI Security Institute moving to the Cabinet Office and digital government functions transferring to DCMS, in an effort to reassure peers about the strategic direction.