DSIT Areas of Research Interest 2024 · first published 26 February 2024
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has published its first Areas of Research Interest (ARI) document, listing the policy questions where it wants stronger evidence. It covers AI, broadband and mobile connectivity (via Building Digital UK), cyber security and digital identity, and data policy. The ARI is not a tender or contract notice — it does not award money directly. Instead, it signals where DSIT wants to hear from researchers, academics and industry experts, and it is explicitly designed to help those applying to funding bodies strengthen their case by aligning proposals to DSIT's stated priorities. SMEs with genuine expertise or research capability in these technology areas can use this document to open a dialogue with DSIT officials, position themselves for future commissioned research, or strengthen grant applications. The document does not set procurement rules, evaluation weightings or contract thresholds, and it applies to DSIT specifically — not to all public-sector buyers.
WHO THIS APPLIES TO
THE ENKII VIEW
For a small firm with real expertise in AI, cyber security, digital connectivity, or data policy, this ARI is a door-opener: DSIT has explicitly said it wants to hear from industry and that it will acknowledge engagement where appropriate. SMEs that can credibly address one of the listed evidence gaps — for example, AI adoption barriers for SMEs, cyber security cost trade-offs for smaller businesses, or broadband rollout delivery challenges — are well placed to initiate contact, pitch for future commissioned research, or align R&D grant proposals directly to these stated priorities. The risk of ignoring this document is that larger consultancies and universities will build those relationships first, leaving SMEs outside DSIT's expert network when paid commissions do emerge.
1. Use the 'Working with Us' section of the DSIT ARI to register your interest and make contact with the relevant DSIT directorate — this is the explicit mechanism the document sets up for building an expert network.
SMEs with expertise in AI, cyber security, digital connectivity, or data policy — DSIT states it is 'keen to broaden and deepen its network of researchers and experts from across academia, industry' and that it 'recognises the value brought by engagement between the department and external experts and is keen to acknowledge this, where appropriate.'
2. Map your research proposal directly to one or more of the named ARI topics (e.g. AI adoption barriers, cyber security cost trade-offs, gigabit connectivity impacts) and reference the DSIT ARI explicitly in your public-impact statement.
SMEs applying for Innovate UK, UKRI, or other public research funding in technology areas — The document states it will 'help those applying to funding bodies by enabling proposals for new research to draw a direct line to DSIT's ARI and thus strengthen the case for the possible public impact of the research.'
3. Prepare a short evidence note on what your real-world data shows about cyber security adoption costs, barriers, or efficacy for businesses of different sizes — and offer to share it with DSIT's CSDI directorate as an evidence submission.
SMEs operating in cyber security products or services — CSDI explicitly asks 'Do some interventions work better for some sectors, sizes or maturities of a company?' and invites submission of evidence to build its evidence base.
4. Identify which of BDUK's listed evidence questions you can answer from your operational experience (e.g. barriers to fibre delivery, subcontractor market resilience, environmental impact of installation), and approach BDUK directly with a short brief.
SMEs in broadband, fibre, or mobile connectivity supply chains — BDUK states it wants 'more insight into the barriers to delivery of gigabit and mobile roll-out across the UK' and is interested in evidence from market actors on supply chain risks and delivery challenges.
5. Position your offer around DSIT's stated evidence needs on public-sector AI productivity and safe AI adoption — use the ARI's specific questions (e.g. 'What is needed to enable the public sector to adopt AI?') as a framework for your public-sector pitch materials.
SMEs offering AI tools or consultancy to the public sector — DSIT asks 'How can we ensure AI increases public sector productivity?' and 'What is needed to enable the public sector to adopt AI?' — firms that can answer these with evidence are aligned to an active departmental priority.
6. Review the CSDI digital identity evidence questions on inclusion and barriers, and consider whether your product data or user research can contribute — submission could position you ahead of future Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) policy development.
SMEs with digital identity or trust-framework expertise — DSIT is seeking evidence on 'how best to enable more inclusive digital identity services whilst maintaining robust security measures' to inform the UK digital identity and attributes trust framework policy.
Every rule below quotes the official document verbatim.
The ARI document is published by DSIT and covers its two main policy groups: Digital Technologies and Telecoms Group (DTG) and Science Innovation and Growth Group (SIG), plus the Building Digital UK (BDUK) executive agency. (DSIT and its constituent groups and agencies)
“DSIT has two policy Director General (DG) led groups: Digital Technologies and Telecoms Group (DTG)... and Science Innovation and Growth Group (SIG)... Also included in these ARIs is Building Digital UK (BDUK) which is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.”
The ARI is not a funding instrument; it is intended to guide researchers on where their work is most likely to have policy impact and to help them strengthen grant applications. (All researchers and industry experts engaging with DSIT)
“We hope that this document will help those applying to funding bodies by enabling proposals for new research to draw a direct line to DSIT's ARI and thus strengthen the case for the possible public impact of the research.”
The ARI is neither exhaustive nor definitive and DSIT remains open to research outside the listed areas. (All researchers and industry experts)
“The ARI is neither exhaustive nor definitive and is intended to facilitate conversations with the wider research community... DSIT remains interested in research that is outside the areas outlined, which may still be relevant to DSIT policy or delivery.”
DSIT explicitly wants to develop a network of researchers and experts from academia and industry around its research interests. (Academia and industry, including SMEs with relevant expertise)
“developing a network of researchers and experts from across academia, industry and the wider research community around departmental research interests.”
DSIT invites submission of evidence aligned to its research topics to build its evidence base and stimulate future collaboration. (All external experts and organisations)
“welcoming the submission of evidence that aligns with identified research topics to help build the evidence base and stimulate future collaboration.”
Key AI evidence needs include impacts on the UK labour market, productivity and growth, public sector adoption, and risk assessment of AI systems. (AI policy area within DSIT's Digital Technologies and Telecoms Group)
“Critical policy issues, evidence needs and questions: 1. The impact of AI on the UK labour market... 2. AI impacts on productivity and growth... 5. How AI can be used to bring productivity gains to the public sector offering... 6. How can we meaningfully assess the risks posed by AI and prepare for them?”
BDUK's evidence needs include barriers to gigabit and mobile rollout delivery, telecoms market resilience, infrastructure planning, technology innovation, and environmental impacts. (Building Digital UK executive agency)
“BDUK would like more insight into the barriers to delivery of gigabit and mobile roll-out across the UK and what technological innovations may assist in this.”
Cyber Security and Digital Identity (CSDI) evidence needs include efficacy of cyber interventions, adoption of cyber security by organisations of different sizes and sectors, economic costs of cyber security, and inclusion in digital identity solutions. (DSIT Cyber Security and Digital Identity directorate)
“Do some interventions work better for some sectors, sizes or maturities of a company?... How can organisations be encouraged or incentivised to take on more entry level cyber security roles, including apprenticeships?”
DSIT is specifically interested in understanding barriers to AI adoption, including for smaller firms. (AI policy area, DSIT)
“How can we better understand the barriers to AI adoption?”
Most ARI topics are framed for departmental delivery outcomes needed in the next 2–5 years, though some have longer-term trajectories. (All ARI topic areas)
“Most will be framed for departmental delivery outcomes needed in the next 2-5 years, although some areas of research interest have longer term trajectories.”
DSIT intends to update the ARI document at regular intervals. (All ARI topic areas)
“We intend to update this ARI document at regular intervals.”
CSDI is interested in how to encourage organisations to take on more entry-level cyber security roles including apprenticeships. (DSIT Cyber Security and Digital Identity directorate)
“How can organisations be encouraged or incentivised to take on more entry level cyber security roles, including apprenticeships?”
This briefing is enkii's interpretation of the official document — the official text always governs.
Source document © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0 via the GOV.UK Content API. enkii tracks every Procurement Policy Note and briefs changes the day they land — see all briefings.