A new partnership between Google Cloud and the U.K. government exemplifies the needs and goals of governments in the AI era. In addition to providing traditional infrastructure upgrades, the partnership includes a massive upskilling program, helping the U.K. government adapt to a rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape and the growing expectations of its citizens.
Modernizing Legacy Infrastructure
Google Cloud will provide technical support to help the U.K. government modernize key services, including those offered by the National Health Service (NHS) and local councils. The replacement of legacy technology will not only provide citizens with quicker and more efficient access to services, but these modernization efforts will also result in significant cost savings for the government.
Experts from the U.K. government will collaborate with Google DeepMind to explore the potential of new technologies, such as quantum computing, for use in the public sector. Additionally, they will develop a single platform for monitoring and responding to cybersecurity threats.
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Upskilling at Scale
In addition to upgrading legacy infrastructure, the partnership will also involve a strategy to upskill 100,000 public sector workers in AI and technology by 2030. This strategy will be implemented through a new training program by Google Cloud. This extensive upskilling initiative aligns with the government’s goal of having one in 10 U.K. civil servants in technology roles.
“Google Cloud is proud to be a strategic partner of the U.K. government as they embark on this ambitious digital transformation,” said Tara Brady, President, Google Cloud EMEA. “As the country evolves, the flexibility of Google Cloud will help the government lead the AI era.
“We are deeply committed to empowering the U.K. public sector with the technical skills and innovative AI-powered solutions required to build a truly modern, secure and efficient digital future, delivering tangible benefits to citizens and driving significant economic value.”
Closing Thoughts
The partnership with Google Cloud is an attempt to break free from the U.K. government’s expensive, legacy system and embrace the latest technologies that not only save money but also improve the services provided to citizens. However, the administration has larger plans to incorporate even more vendors.
“Britain will be using more technology, in more areas, and more than ever before,” said U.K. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. “So, my message to the big technology companies is clear: bring us your best ideas, your best tech, and your best price.”
Google Cloud certainly has a first-mover advantage in this area, and the breadth of its partnerships is outstanding. However, the sentiments expressed by the U.K. government serve as a strong reminder that competition is still alive and well.
While we have observed a significant shift in collaborative relationships between major tech vendors, large contracts like this one continue to reflect the traditional competitive landscape. Looking ahead, I envision more shared offerings and joint proposals between tech companies to deliver what Kyle eloquently outlined: the best ideas and the best technology at the best price.
- For more insight into what Google Cloud has been up to in the U.K., including and going beyond its work with the government, check out my colleague Bob Evans’ coverage: “Google Cloud U.K. Moonshots Aim to Save $50 Billion and Engineer Time” and “Google Cloud: U.K Customers Showcase Power of AI and Cloud.”
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