Ministers use state visit to unveil memorandum of understanding for countries to work together to enable the use of artificial intelligence in government services and support recruitment of technological talent

Experts from the UK’s Government Digital Service are to work with counterparts in South Korea to support the use of artificial intelligence in public services.

Ministers from the two nations have signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to work together to “strengthen digital capabilities within their respective governments”.

This work will involve digital professionals from GDS collaborating with tech-focused representatives of the Korean government.

A key focus of this cooperation will be “identifying together where artificial intelligence could be used in government services, ensuring as partners we fully consider AIs potential for digital government, and share knowledge and best practice on its application and development”, according to a government press release.

UK and Korean officials will also explore “how both countries can enhance their digital workforces, as they work to recruit the best talent in digital, data and technology into each government”.

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“The two nations will also seek to ensure ​​technologies are used responsibly, and uphold democratic values, and to ensure there is equal access to technologies across societies,” the release added.

The agreement (pictured above) was signed by South Korea’s minister of the interior and safety Lee Sang-min and, on behalf of the UK by Alex Burghart, a minister in the Cabinet Office with responsibility for GDS and its sister agency, the Central Digital and Data Office.

He said: “Sharing best practices with the international community is essential so that we can build capability in digital governance and deliver better services to the public.”

The memorandum is the latest such agreement signed between GDS or digital government-focused minister. Agreements have previously been signed with the likes of Singapore, Poland, and Canada.