DSIT's IT investment to boost digital agility

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has markedly increased its investment in IT infrastructure, allocating approximately £5 million towards acquiring laptops, phones, and tablets over the last two years. This strategic move comes as part of DSIT’s broader plan to enhance internal digital capabilities, thereby empowering its workforce and fuelling the UK's ambition to establish itself as a leader in technology and artificial intelligence.

Data obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request and scrutinised by Parliament Think Tank highlights this surge in digital investments. Notably, between June 2023 and May 2025, DSIT procured 3,435 laptops, 4,466 mobile phones, and 19 tablets. The trend reveals a 48% increase in laptop acquisitions and an impressive 97% jump in mobile phone purchases in the latest financial year alone.

The outlay on mobile phones alone has surged, tripling from £531,000 in the fiscal year 2023–24 to £1.58 million in the subsequent year. This underscores a decisive shift towards fostering a mobile-first, hybrid, and flexible working environment.

This tech surge is far from being a routine upgrade; it mirrors DSIT’s commitment to shaping a digitally agile workforce equipped with cutting-edge tools necessary for driving innovation, policy development, and ensuring AI safety. With artificial intelligence and digital transformation sweeping through industries and public services, DSIT’s operational spending aligns with the government's mission to prepare Britain’s digital economy for future challenges and maintain its competitive stature globally.

By granting its team access to state-of-the-art technology, DSIT aims to facilitate collaboration, agility, and efficiency — key pillars in achieving the UK's technological and AI leadership aspirations.

Sachin Agrawal from Zoho UK highlighted, “As the UK strengthens its position as a global leader in science, technology, and AI it is encouraging to see DSIT making a strategic and long-term investment in the digital capabilities of its workforce. In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, empowering employees with secure, modern tools is essential to foster collaboration and agility.”

Further emphasising the significance, Stuart Harvey of Datactics stated, “It’s encouraging to see DSIT significantly ramp up IT spending, as investing in modern, secure technology is essential to supporting the UK’s leadership in AI governance and digital transformation.” However, he cautioned that "better, faster, and more secure devices can’t compensate for weak passwords or a lack of data skills." Hence, pairing infrastructure investment with advancements in data maturity and skill development remains crucial.