Cisco and the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology have announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate AI adoption, expand digital skills and support innovation in public services across the UK.
Cisco and the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) have announced a new strategic collaboration that aims to use AI and advanced digital technologies to help drive economic growth, improve public services and build digital skills nationwide.
The collaboration directly supports the UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. It brings together Cisco’s technology expertise, skills programmes and wider ecosystem with DSIT’s national policy initiatives.
“We believe a digital society that works for everyone isn’t out of reach. Neither is it the responsibility of one group of people or organisations. That is why collaboration matters. Today’s announcement marks a year of progress towards our commitment to help create a more inclusive, digital UK and Ireland, with a clear path to future impact,” said Sarah Walker, Chief Executive, Cisco UK & Ireland.
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said: “Partnerships like this one with Cisco are exactly what will power the UK’s AI future. By combining world-class expertise with our ambition to upskill 10 million people by 2030, we can make sure that the benefits of AI aren’t just felt in boardrooms and tech hubs, but in classrooms, hospitals and high streets right across the country.”
Delivering on the UK & Ireland Manifesto
In June 2025, Cisco set out its UK & Ireland Manifesto: a commitment to help everyone benefit from a more digitally inclusive society. One year on, Cisco has delivered tangible progress across the three areas at the heart of that pledge; growing its presence in communities, developing digital skills and activating its people and partners.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which outlines a framework through to 2030, aims to build on what has been achieved so far, helping to address the gap between AI ambition and large-scale adoption by focusing on practical deployment rather than theoretical potential.
Accelerating AI adoption: Establishing Barnsley as the UK’s first ‘Tech Town’
A key part of the collaboration between Cisco and DSIT is to further establish Barnsley as the UK’s first ‘Tech Town’. The initiative seeks to apply AI in real-world settings where infrastructure, public services and skills come together.
The collaboration aims to identify projects that can leverage AI capabilities, Cisco technology and skills courses to support progress for Barnsley’s local economy and citizens. With an initial 18-month pilot phase, the aim is to create a blueprint that could deliver similar benefits in other parts of the UK.
Accelerating AI innovation: For better public services and improved health outcomes
As part of the Tech Town initiative, through the Lister alliance, Cisco plans to explore the viability of a healthcare “Living Lab” within Barnsley to help public sector organisations, academia and industry partners work together on emerging technologies in real-world settings.
The aim is to create an environment to co-produce solutions, initially focused on improving how outpatient appointments are managed and the delivery of virtual care. Learnings are expected to be shared with other NHS trusts.
Expanding access to digital skills: Preparing the next generation for an AI-enabled workforce
Cisco has joined the Government’s AI Skills Hub in a strategic collaboration supporting the nationwide ambition to help 10 million UK citizens access foundational AI courses by 2030. With 600,000 people in the UK & Ireland trained so far (100,000 in the last year alone), the Cisco Networking Academy will be central to this effort.
The MoU also strengthens support for the Government’s TechFirst programme, which aims to give one million secondary school students access to technology and AI learning experiences.
Cisco plans to contribute to these efforts through:
• At least 8,000 hours of employee volunteering over four years.
• Engagement with 9,000 students through programmes to inspire them into technology careers.
• Work experience opportunities for 7,000 students across London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
• Dedicated Cisco pathways placements for 150 Year 12 and Year 13 students who identify as female or non-binary and a further 150 placements for Year 11 and Year 12 students.
• More than 60 university-level and 200 T Level placements.
Cisco also plans to explore research opportunities for PhD candidates and aims to expand access to the Cisco Networking Academy for schools and colleges.
