How can government help deliver a globally competitive AI infrastructure for the UK?

How can government help deliver a globally competitive AI infrastructure for the UK?

Author: Institute for Government September 10, 2026 Duration: 1:05:03
The government believes access to sufficient AI infrastructure and compute capacity will be critical for the UK’s economic growth, productivity and global competitiveness – but the UK is in a global race for investment, talent and consequential technological breakthroughs. So how can ministers and civil servants deliver the government’s ambitions? Last June, the government announced over £1bn of investment in the UK’s compute capacity, while the government’s Compute Roadmap outlines its strategic approach to building world-class compute infrastructure in the UK. But will this infrastructure translate into the growth and productivity gains that the government has forecast? How can government attract private sector investment? How can the Cabinet Office, DBIST, DCMS, HMT, DESNZ and No 10 best cooperate to drive the whole of the state in support of the strategy? And what are the key challenges for new prime minister Andy Burnham in realising the government’s AI infrastructure goals? To discuss all this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Emily Darlington MP, Member of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee Matt Davies, Economic and Social Policy Lead at Ada Lovelace Institute Matthew Harris, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at HPE Mary Jones, Director for AI Adoption and Preparedness at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology The event was chaired by Heloise Dunlop, Researcher at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) for kindly supporting this event.

Ever wondered what really happens behind the doors of Whitehall? Institute for Government pulls up a chair at the table where policy is made and governance gets tested. This isn't about partisan politics or headlines; it's a deeper, more practical conversation about how the machinery of the UK government actually works-or sometimes, why it doesn't. Each episode brings you the experts from the Institute itself, along with senior civil servants, ministers, and analysts, for frank discussions that dissect the challenges of running a country. You'll hear specific case studies, analysis of major events as they unfold, and explorations of long-term issues like public service reform or the complexities of Brexit implementation. The goal is to move beyond theory and into the tangible details of effectiveness and accountability. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a privileged briefing, one that demystifies the processes that shape daily life. It’s for anyone curious about the structures of power, the art of the possible in policy, and the ongoing effort to improve how the nation is governed. Expect thoughtful, evidence-based dialogue that cuts through the noise to examine the levers of statecraft.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Institute for Government
Podcast Episodes
Andy Burnham: What to expect from the next prime minister? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:18
Andy Burnham will surely become prime minister in a matter of weeks. But what kind of government would he lead and how can he prepare for the biggest job in British politics? As Burnham sets out his policy priorities, an…
Lessons from Covid: How to avoid fraud in future crises? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:17
The Covid-19 pandemic saw the government spend hundreds of billions of pounds to buy PPE, keep businesses afloat and avoid mass redundancies. In the heat of this once-in-a-generation crisis, decisions were made that enab…
Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP: keynote speech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:19
The Institute for Government was pleased to welcome Kemi Badenoch to give a keynote speech on Tuesday 9 June at 10:30am. Following her speech, the Leader of the Opposition was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Direct…