In response to the UK Government’s recent Autumn Budget, experts from ServiceNow, Snowflake, and Celonis have shared their insights on how the budget’s priorities align with the country’s technological advancements and goals.
Each leader highlighted a key area for the development of AI and technology to bolster economic growth, with a focus on partnerships, data infrastructure, and process intelligence.
ServiceNow on AI Education and Public-Private Partnerships
Damian Stirrett, Group Vice President & General Manager UK & Ireland at ServiceNow, emphasised the role of technology, especially AI, as a driver of economic growth. Stirrett noted that the UK is well-positioned to leverage AI for transformative business outcomes, observing that ServiceNow’s research indicates UK businesses are leading in AI optimism and maturity within Europe, with 85% planning to increase AI investments in the coming year.
However, Stirrett stressed that AI’s potential will be fully realised only if the country invests in education, upskilling, and partnerships between the public and private sectors. These initiatives, he argued, are essential to drive innovation and productivity, especially as the government sets a target of 2% productivity savings for its departments. Stirrett highlighted that beyond enhancing productivity, AI could reduce operational costs and create new job opportunities across sectors, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Snowflake: Data Infrastructure as a Foundation for AI
James Hall, Vice President and Country Manager UK&I at Snowflake, echoed the sentiment that AI is central to the UK’s technological progress, but he emphasised the need for robust data-sharing frameworks. According to Hall, “AI systems are only as powerful as the data they’re trained on,” and he urged the government to invest in data infrastructure to support AI development. Snowflake’s focus aligns with the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which aims to improve services and foster innovation through advanced data solutions.
Hall explained that strong data frameworks are essential for accurate AI insights, which in turn enhance public services and support smart industries. By focusing on accessible, high-quality data, the UK can strengthen its global competitiveness, achieving responsible and effective AI applications that align with the Chancellor’s growth objectives.
Celonis on Process Intelligence and AI ROI
Rupal Karia, VP & Country Leader UK&I at Celonis, commented on the budget’s focus on productivity and growth, noting that AI can play a significant role in meeting these goals. However, Karia cautioned that for businesses to realise AI’s full value, they must integrate process intelligence. She pointed out that while AI has transformative potential, it requires clear context to yield a return on investment. According to Celonis, process intelligence offers the insights and visibility necessary to enhance internal processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements.
Karia highlighted that Celonis’ research shows UK business leaders view AI support as more crucial to their success than regulatory changes, indicating a need for government focus on facilitating AI adoption. This strategic support, she argues, could be pivotal in helping UK businesses achieve growth and maximise their AI investments.
