DHSC:FGO:AI Futures deep dive

Project purpose: To assess how DHSC can maximise operational value from AI transformation while safeguarding UK strategic autonomy, identifying critical gaps in system readiness and sovereign capabilities, and defining 2-3 actions that enable DHSC to effectively deploy transformative AI while strengthening UK health system resilience.

Strategic context: Delivering a health service that is fit for the future, as set out in the 10 Year Health Plan, requires the department to prioritise more agile, long-term strategic planning-particularly as AI integration becomes central to transforming the NHS into a more responsive and preventative system. To support this, the department's futures thinking programme aims to anticipate and respond to emerging trends and technologies. This project will apply futures methodologies to determine if the UK has the sovereign capabilities and system readiness to achieve its ambition in AI health transformation, or if critical gaps will undermine our position. Strategic positioning decisions made in the next 12-18 months will have lasting implications for both DHSC operational effectiveness and UK's international competitive position.