Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps they are taking to use (a) artificial intelligence and (b) data to help increase their Department's productivity.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is committed to improving its productivity, including through artificial intelligence and effective use of data.

1. For example, approximately 1,500 staff across DSIT and arms-length bodies are participating in the cross-government Microsoft 365 Copilot experiment led by CDDO. Staff are using Copilot to summarise policy papers and briefings, support initial document drafting, to extract insights from data, and retrieve information within the department or online.
2. We use data and analysis to inform decision making in the department, identify potential improvements, and ensure optimal allocation of funding/resources. We also make use of secure data platforms and reproducible analytical pipelines for data analysis, thus enabling faster, data-driven decisions.

We draw on a range of resources, published on GOV.UK, to inform our AI and data usage. For example, the Generative AI Framework, the Data Maturity Assessment, the Ethics, Transparency and Accountability Framework, the Data Ethics Framework, and the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard.

The department also has access to the Central Digital & Data Office for expert advice.

We will continue to regularly review our usage of AI and data to maximise productivity benefits for staff and the public.