The agreement will see the UK and Canada exchange knowledge on successes in the use of AI in delivering public services and share the digital tools and Cloud-service designs contributing to the success.

Building on the collaboration, ministers have signed a deal to support innovation in critical digital infrastructure as well as launch a new network to advance progress on semiconductors which are at the heart of global technology.

This will bring together experts to develop smarter, faster, and more energy-efficient chips, working on advanced materials, chip design, and packaging techniques to make devices more powerful and sustainable.

Commenting on the deal, Stuart Harvey, CEO of Datactics, said: “Data, AI, and digital infrastructure don’t stop at borders, so international collaboration and trade deals are vital for countries to align on standards and best practices as they accelerate innovation. But these ambitions will only deliver if the data behind them is clean, standardised and trustworthy. Modernising public services and increasing AI adoption can’t succeed on fragmented or outdated data, it simply moves old problems into new systems.

“As governments and SMEs ramp up AI use, data quality has to be central to the conversation. The application of better data can have a widespread impact on society, from more accurate crime classifications for law enforcement to reduced wait times for healthcare. Without strong international data standards and governance, we risk unreliable services which could prove costly.”

At the G7 talks in Montreal, participating nations also agreed on practical steps to support businesses adopt AI and upskill workers through the acceleration of public-private partnerships and investing in skills programmes.

Richard Bovey, Chief for Data at AND Digital commented: “The conversation around data and AI has shifted dramatically over the last few years as businesses are beginning to realise that AI isn’t just a technology upgrade, instead it’s a capability that requires good quality, well governed data. Without trusted, well-managed data, even the most advanced AI models will fail to deliver meaningful or reliable outcomes.

“64% of business leaders agree that fragmented data is their organisations biggest barrier to introducing AI and what’s becoming increasingly clear is that data strategy and AI strategy can no longer be separated. The organisations that will lead in the next decade are the ones treating data as a product, investing in data literacy across their workforce, and building AI systems that are transparent, governed and aligned to real business value.”

It strengthens the broader partnership between the UK and Canada, with Canadian firms investing £30 billion into the UK economy in 2023 and supporting over 165,000 jobs, according to government figures.

Through the agreements, the countries aim to drive improvements across healthcare, public services, and growth, all with the goal of benefiting citizens.

UK Technology Minister Ian Murray said: “The UK and Canada are working hand in hand to shape the future of technology – from smarter, greener chips to AI that improves everyday services. This partnership will make life better for people in the UK. By sharing expertise and driving progress together, we’ll create new jobs and cut costs for hardworking people by bringing our public services into the modern age.”

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