Category: UK

Government projects set for boost from data and AI, says new report

A new report by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) highlights the transformative potential of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) for government projects. The report, titled “Data Analytics and AI in Government Project Delivery,” sets out a roadmap for harnessing these technologies to achieve better outcomes, modernise delivery processes, and empower stronger leadership. Produced in collaboration with the Association for Project Management (APM), the Central Digital & Data Office (CDDO), the Major Projects Association (MPA), and the No.10 Data Science team, the report outlines the opportunities, challenges, and key success factors for leveraging project data and AI in government projects. It also details the IPA’s next steps to unlock these benefits, including: The report emphasises that achieving these ambitions requires a collective effort led by the IPA and the Projects Council, working alongside Heads of Profession across government, CDDO, the No.10 Data Science team, and professional bodies. Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, commented: “The potential for AI and data analytics to improve project outcomes is clear. We’re pleased to have worked with the IPA, the CCDO and the MPA on this report, which lays out a clear framework for creating conditions that will allow innovation to…

East London’s Water Supply gets a £20m boost from Thames Water in new project

Londoners in the East End can expect a more secure water supply thanks to a £20 million investment by Thames Water. The project targets ageing water mains pipes in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, aiming to reduce leaks and safeguard the capital’s vital resource. Starting this week outside Mile End tube station, engineers will begin a phased upgrade replacing over 1,300 metres of Victorian-era pipes with modern equivalents. This crucial work on Mile End Road and nearby Burdett Road is expected to continue until 2026. “It’s vital that we continue to upgrade our leakiest water pipes across the capital, and our multi-million-pound upgrade at Mile End Road will help us do just that,” said Martin Padley, London Water Director for Thames Water. “With London’s population expected to reach 12 million by 2050, and the UK facing more extreme weather events, we need to act now to protect this precious resource and keep the taps running for Londoners,” Padley added. The project goes beyond simply replacing pipes. Thames Water is also committed to tackling hidden leaks before they become a problem. This includes utilising cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to pinpoint leak size and location. Additionally, the company is…