A recent study conducted by Public FIRST on behalf of Google Cloud revealed that the implementation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially save around 38 billion pounds annually in the public sector of Great Britain over the next five years. The research, which can be found here, highlights the significant cost-saving benefits of AI in public services.
According to the report, automation of routine tasks is seen as a key opportunity for AI in the public sector. It is estimated that more than a third of daily tasks can be efficiently automated using AI technology. The study also found that 61% of government organizations are overwhelmed with work, leading to a decrease in morale among employees. However, only 12% of public sector workers have fully embraced AI in their operations.
The adoption of generative AI could result in a range of benefits, including a reduction in healthcare waiting times equivalent to 3.7 million additional doctor consultations, freeing up resources equivalent to 160,000 police officers, and improving the student-to-teacher ratio by 16%. The overall economic impact is projected to reach 358 billion pounds by 2034, allowing for 8.3% of the budget to be reinvested in public services.
The report predicts that 56% of public sector jobs can be modernized with AI, enabling employees to focus on more creative tasks. While 38% of professions are expected to remain unchanged due to their unique nature, 6% could be fully automated with AI technology.
Despite the potential benefits of AI, there are several challenges to overcome in the implementation process. More than half of respondents (55%) highlighted the need to improve data infrastructure for effective AI utilization, along with concerns about safety, legal implications, and technology costs. Additionally, about a third of respondents cited a lack of skills for working with AI.
Google Cloud views the public sector as a key catalyst for AI adoption across various industries. Some recommendations from the report include assessing readiness for technology adoption in healthcare, transport, and education, upgrading outdated IT systems, providing advanced training for employees, and enhancing procurement management.