AI in the Public Sector: Ambition Meets Infrastructure Reality
Insights From Valuecom_
The AI Ambition Gap: Can UK Infrastructure Keep Up
The UK government’s recent drive to integrate agentic AI which is capable of handling autonomous tasks across public services, signals a bold shift in digital ambition. Government sectors from healthcare to local government departments are exploring AI to streamline operations, enhance citizen engagement, and reduce administrative burden. But behind the headlines lies a critical challenge, can the UK’s infrastructure handle it?
At Valuecom, we support government departments and public sector leaders to navigate this tension turning AI ambition into sustainable, value-driven delivery.
The Infrastructure Challenge_
As AI models grow in scale and sophistication, so too do their demands on compute power, storage, and energy. The UK’s electricity consumption is forecast to rise from 319 TWh in 2024 to over 450 TWh by 2035, driven largely by data intensive technologies. Meanwhile, energy prices remain high, and pressure to meet net zero targets intensifies.
AI workloads are not just computationally expensive they're also resource hungry and often reliant on centralised cloud environments that can strain both budgets and resilience planning.
Building the Foundations for Agentic AI in Public Services
Agentic AI in Government: A Double Edged Sword_
Agentic AI offers huge potential across public services:
Automating meeting notes and decision records in local authorities
Streamlining case triage in social care
Improving patient navigation in the NHS App
Enhancing citizen interactions in digital front door platforms
But these benefits require more than just clever algorithms they demand a modern, efficient infrastructure strategy that considers:
Scalability across hybrid and edge environments
Data governance and model explain ability
Power availability and energy efficient compute
Security and compliance with UK digital standards
Balancing the Promise of AI with Practical Readiness_
A Realistic Assessment of AI Readiness_
At Valuecom, we advise that public sector bodies ask the right questions before investing in AI platforms:
Is your current infrastructure fit to scale AI workloads?
Do you have clarity on where your data resides with owners?
Can you measure the carbon and cost impact of your compute?
Are your AI use cases clearly tied to service outcomes?
We believe that AI investment should be led by strategic value not fear of falling behind.
Crafting Forward Looking AI Strategies for Government Leaders_
Designing for Value: Sustainability And Control_
Valuecom works with government CIOs, CTOs, and IT Leaders to design and deliver balanced, forward-looking AI infrastructure strategies. That includes:
Cloud and datacentre planning to match workload sensitivity and performance
Hybrid models that leverage edge processing where appropriate
Energy-aware procurement and vendor selection
Controls for AI observability, ethics, and cyber compliance
We bring a delivery-first lens, helping you move beyond pilots and proof-of-concepts towards AI that’s resilient, scalable, and aligned with your public service mission.
Conclusion: Invest in What Matters_
The public sector doesn’t need more technology for technology’s sake. It needs AI that delivers measurable value to citizens, within the real world constraints of budget, energy, and trust.
At Valuecom, we help government teams make smart, grounded decisions bridging the gap between policy ambition and operational reality.
Need support in shaping your AI cloud and infrastructure strategy? Get in contact today……
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At Valuecom, we support government departments and public sector leaders to navigate this tension turning AI ambition into sustainable, value-driven delivery.
At Valuecom, we support government departments and public sector leaders to navigate this tension turning AI ambition into sustainable, value-driven delivery.
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