UK Science Shake-Up Risks Slowing AI Policy, Tech Leaders Warn

Created in 2023 under then-prime minister Rishi Sunak, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology consolidated oversight of research, digital government and emerging technologies. Its remit came to include the AI Security Institute, UK Research and Innovation and the £500 million Sovereign AI Fund. The structure mattered because Britain is trying to convert strengths in venture capital, engineering and companies such as Google DeepMind into faster AI adoption, investment and economic growth.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham abolished DSIT on July 20, merging it into the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade led by Jonathan Reynolds. Kanishka Narayan was promoted to a cabinet-attending AI minister, serving jointly in the new department and the Cabinet Office. Industry welcomed his elevation but warned that dispersing technology responsibilities could slow decisions. In the House of Lords on July 21, former technology minister Ed Vaizey said the reorganisation could consume three months of officials’ time and noted that only £100 million of the £500 million Sovereign AI Fund had been allocated.