UK and Canada Strengthen Tech Ties to Modernize Public Services and Drive Innovation
UK Technology Minister Ian Murray has concluded the G7 Ministerial gathering in Montreal with reinforced international partnerships and new bilateral agreements with Canada aimed at accelerating technological innovation, modernizing public services, and reducing costs.
The visit yielded several key outcomes focused on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor research, and supercomputing collaboration, building on the UK-Canada Growth and Innovation Partnership established in June.
Key Agreements and Initiatives
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G7 Deal on AI Adoption for SMEs: Minister Murray returns with a new G7 agreement to ramp up the adoption of AI among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The pact outlines practical steps to unlock greater productivity and growth through public-private partnerships, shared best practices, and investment in skills programmes.
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UK-Canada Semiconductors Research Network: A new jointly funded research network will advance semiconductor innovation. Backed by £1.16 million from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and led by Professor Andy G Sellars at the University of Southampton, the network will facilitate expert exchanges, workshops, and collaborative research on advanced materials, chip design, and packaging to develop more powerful and energy-efficient chips.
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Public Service Modernisation Through AI: The UK and Canadian governments have agreed to accelerate digitalisation by exchanging knowledge, digital tools, and cloud-service designs related to AI in public services. This collaboration aims to tackle outdated technology, enhance cyber resilience, and upgrade services to be more efficient and cost-effective.
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Supercomputing Collaboration: The UK’s National Supercomputing Centre in Edinburgh has signed an agreement with Canada’s Digital Research Alliance. This partnership will enable experts to share expertise on building and running the powerful computers necessary for cutting-edge research in AI and other fields.
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.”
The Honourable Evan Solomon, Canadian Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, said:
“Canada and the UK have always been natural partners in science and innovation. This next agreement between the UK’s National Supercomputing Centre and Canada’s Digital Research Alliance is a huge win for both countries. It unlocks world-class computing power, accelerates breakthroughs in AI and emerging tech, and strengthens the backbone of our shared digital future. I’m thrilled to see another partnership after our joint agreement — this is the kind of bold cooperation the G7 is all about.”
Strategic and Economic Context
The deepened cooperation leverages a strong existing economic relationship, with Canadian firms investing approximately £30 billion in the UK economy in 2023, supporting over 165,000 jobs. By aligning strengths in semiconductors, AI, and digital research, both nations aim to secure their positions at the forefront of global technology, drive economic growth, and deliver tangible improvements in healthcare and public services for their citizens.
These agreements represent a concerted effort to translate diplomatic engagement into practical cooperation that fosters innovation, enhances technological resilience, and delivers concrete public benefits.
