Cisco and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at accelerating AI adoption, improving public services and expanding digital skills across the UK.
The collaboration, which will run through to 2030 under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), supports the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and brings together Cisco’s tech and skills programmes with DSIT’s national digital transformation ambitions.
The announcement comes a year after Cisco launched its UK & Ireland Manifesto, a pledge to help create a more digitally inclusive society through investment in communities, skills development and technology partnerships.
Sarah Walker, chief executive of Cisco UK & Ireland, said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the benefits of digital transformation are widely felt.
“We believe a digital society that works for everyone isn’t out of reach. Neither is it the responsibility of one group of people or organisations. That is why collaboration matters,” she said.
“Today’s announcement marks a year of progress towards our commitment to help create a more inclusive, digital UK and Ireland, with a clear path to future impact.”
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan described the partnership as an example of the type of collaboration needed to deliver the UK’s AI ambitions.
“Partnerships like this one with Cisco are exactly what will power the UK’s AI future,” he said.
“By combining world-class expertise with our ambition to upskill 10 million people by 2030, we can make sure that the benefits of AI aren’t just felt in boardrooms and tech hubs, but in classrooms, hospitals and high streets right across the country.”
Barnsley to become UK’s first ‘Tech Town’
A central element of the agreement is support for Barnsley’s development as the UK’s first Tech Town, a programme designed to explore how AI can be applied in real-world settings where digital infrastructure, skills and public services intersect.
Cisco and DSIT will work together to identify projects that use AI technologies and skills programmes to support economic growth and improve outcomes for local residents. The initiative will begin with an 18-month pilot intended to create a model that could 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 planned
The partners also intend to explore the creation of a healthcare “Living Lab” in Barnsley through the Lister Alliance.
The proposed facility would bring together public sector organisations, NHS bodies, universities and industry partners to test emerging technologies in operational healthcare environments.
Initial areas of focus are expected to include improving outpatient appointment management and expanding virtual care services. Lessons learned from the pilot could be shared with NHS trusts across the country.
The initiative reflects growing interest within the health service in using AI and data-driven technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce administrative burdens.
Expanding AI and digital skills
Alongside technology adoption, the partnership places significant emphasis on digital skills development.
Cisco has joined the government’s AI Skills Hub as a strategic partner, supporting the national ambition to help 10 million people gain access to foundational AI training by 2030.
The company said its Cisco Networking Academy, which has trained around 600,000 people across the UK and Ireland to date, would play a central role in that effort. According to Cisco, 100,000 people completed Networking Academy training during the past year.
The agreement also strengthens support for the government’s TechFirst programme, which aims to provide one million secondary school pupils with access to technology and AI learning opportunities.
Cisco has committed to a range of education and outreach initiatives, including 8,000 hours of employee volunteering over the next four years, engagement with 9,000 students through careers programmes, and work experience opportunities for 7,000 young people across London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
The company will also provide dedicated placements for female and non-binary students, alongside more than 260 university and T Level placements.
