Encouraging the public sector to adopt automation and generative AI could save the UK about £38 billion a year by 2030, according to research from Google Cloud. They enlisted Public First to explore how AI and automation can benefit public organizations.
They surveyed 415 public sector workers in the UK, asking for their thoughts on AI’s potential impact. Their insights, combined with Public First’s modeling, showed a significant opportunity for cost savings through increased AI use. Public First partner Jonathan Dupont noted that generative AI could streamline operations, offering the time equivalent of an additional 3.7 million GP appointments or a 16% boost in the teacher-to-student ratio. It could also free up resources similar to that of over 160,000 police officers.
The feedback revealed that many expect AI to dramatically improve how administrative tasks are handled first, paving the way for efficiency gains in more complex processes later on. A striking 81% believe AI will speed up paperwork, while 79% see it helping with transcriptions and meeting notes.
The report from Public First outlines how, in the long run, AI will drive major innovations by enhancing efficiency and reducing waste. However, implementing these innovations will take time as the technology needs to mature and existing infrastructure must be upgraded.
Interestingly, 56% of survey participants think AI will support public sector workers rather than replace them, especially given the ongoing challenge of doing more with less. Despite the enthusiasm, adoption remains limited, with only 12% of respondents reporting significant use of AI tools. Nearly half believe that AI integration will occur more slowly than the adoption of other technologies like cloud services.
Respondents pointed to security, legal requirements, skills gaps, and reliability concerns as major barriers. Many expressed doubts about whether their organizations are ready for AI, highlighting a skills shortage. Only 34% felt confident in their employees’ abilities to harness AI tools, and 55% noted a need for better data organization to make full use of AI’s capabilities.
The report emphasized that effective AI deployment requires linking existing datasets securely. Successful past digital reforms have shown that strong central leadership and enforcement are vital for progress.
In response to these findings, technology secretary Peter Kyle called it a “powerful reminder” of AI’s transformative potential for government services. He stressed the importance of empowering citizens with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions. His department is actively testing AI applications in the public sector, focusing on improving access to information and reducing administrative burdens on teachers so they can concentrate on their core responsibilities.