IT Procurement: How the UK Government's DSIT Plans to Achieve AI Growth
The UK government is actively upgrading its technology to support its digital transformation goals. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has significantly increased spending on hardware and software, preparing its workforce and infrastructure for advancing AI capabilities.
Recent data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act shows that DSIT spent nearly US$6.2 million on laptops, mobile phones, and tablets over the past two years. Between June 2023 and May 2025, the department purchased 3,435 laptops, 4,466 mobile phones, and 19 tablets. Notably, laptop acquisitions rose by 48%, while mobile phone purchases almost doubled, increasing by 97% in the latest financial year.
The expenditure on mobile phones alone tripled from US$659,000 in 2023-24 to US$1.96 million in 2024-25. This shift highlights DSIT's commitment to supporting mobile-first working environments that align with the broader UK digital transformation agenda.
Empowering the Workforce
DSIT’s increased investment goes beyond simple hardware upgrades. It reflects a clear focus on creating a digitally agile workforce ready for innovation and AI safety challenges. As AI influences public services and industries, having the right technology is essential to keeping the UK competitive globally.
The provision of modern devices aims to improve collaboration, agility, and efficiency—key factors for delivering on government technology leadership goals.
Industry Perspectives on DSIT’s Strategy
Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director of Zoho UK, welcomes the government’s approach. He says, "It is encouraging to see DSIT making a strategic and long-term investment in the digital capabilities of its workforce." Sachin points out that providing secure, modern tools is crucial for fostering teamwork and flexibility in a fast-changing digital environment.
He considers DSIT’s strategy as a forward-thinking model that other public sector organizations and businesses could follow to align workforce enablement with innovation objectives.
Infrastructure Needs More than Just Devices
While hardware investment is vital, experts stress that it must be paired with skills development. Stuart Harvey, CEO of Datactics, highlights, "Better, faster, and more secure devices can't compensate for weak passwords or a lack of data skills."
He emphasizes that future-proofing requires building data maturity and capabilities alongside technology upgrades. This ensures teams can responsibly and safely develop AI systems, manage risks, and support AI governance effectively.
Broader Implications for the UK Tech Sector
DSIT’s increased IT procurement signals an understanding that internal digital capabilities must reflect the department’s ambitious AI and digital transformation goals. Sophisticated coordination and data analysis rely on having up-to-date tools.
The move to a mobile-first approach also responds to evolving work patterns, with hybrid working becoming the norm across government departments. This procurement strategy could influence how other public sector bodies approach their digital-first operations.
For government professionals looking to enhance their AI knowledge and skills alongside infrastructure improvements, exploring dedicated training resources can be valuable. A wide range of AI courses and certifications are available at Complete AI Training, offering practical learning aligned with current technology trends.
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