The government has announced the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will expand in both scope and size to help transform public services and fuel economic growth.
The Government Digital Service (GDS), the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) and the Incubator for AI (iAI) will be brought into DSIT to unite efforts in the digital transformation of public services under one department.
Peter Kyle, the department’s new secretary of state (pictured), will look to build a modern digital government. He will drive forward the digital changes needed to overhaul the British public’s experience of interacting with the government so it becomes personalised, convenient, and timesaving.
There will also be wider efforts to position DSIT as the digital centre of government, working closely with the Cabinet Office and the Treasury, to maximise the potential of digital, data and technology to deliver for the British public.
Peter Kyle said, “Britain will not fully benefit from the social and economic potential of science and technology without government leading by example. So, DSIT is to become the centre for digital expertise and delivery in government, improving how the government and public services interact with citizens.
“We will act as a leader and partner across government, with industry and the research communities, to boost Britain’s economic performance and power up our public services to improve the lives and life chances of people through the application of science and technology.”
DSIT will look to support government departments to use technology across areas like energy, health, policing, and education. It will help to upskill civil servants, so they are better at using digital and AI in their frontline work, as well as ensure the government has the right infrastructure and regulation to become more digital.