As we step into 2025, the technology landscape is set to undergo profound transformations, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. These innovations promise to revolutionise industries, enhance public services, and strengthen national security, while simultaneously posing new challenges that demand a robust regulatory and cultural response. From groundbreaking AI applications to forward-thinking legislation and resilient cyber defences, the year ahead offers an exciting yet critical juncture for shaping a responsible and innovative tech future in the UK.
1. AI, AI and once again... AI
Generative artificial intelligence is now entering an era of 'agentification', meaning that AI systems are transforming from tools that perform single tasks into specialised, interconnected agents. A survey conducted by Capgemini Research Institute found that up to 32% of respondents consider AI agents to be the most important data and AI trend for 2025. Gen AI models are evolving as we speak (or write!) - and the many different systems are starting to operate more autonomously and are becoming more reliable. Gen AI models will soon be able to manage complex tasks, such as supply chain management without the need for constant human intervention. The next stage of AI revolution is predicted to be the emergence of a Super Agent – which will coordinate multiple AI systems to optimise their interactions. These new developments in the AI space have an opportunity to revolutionise many different industries, public sector included, unlocking new levels of efficiency and innovation.
AI regulation is set to be a defining theme in 2025, driven by growing recognition of its transformative potential and associated risks. The King’s Speech recently outlined the new Labour government’s intent to legislate on artificial intelligence, reflecting a central commitment from its manifesto. While specifics remain unclear, the government’s pledge to place requirements on developers of the most powerful AI models signals a pivotal moment for the UK’s regulatory approach. Labour has previously advocated for binding regulation, and as industries eagerly await further details, the focus will likely centre on establishing ethical frameworks, professional standards, and robust oversight. This approach is visible in DSIT’s policy, as in Assuring a Responsible Future for AI the department explains its approach to ensuring the ethical and responsible development of artificial intelligence. It highlights principles for building trust in AI systems, focusing on accountability, transparency, safety, and societal benefits. The report outlines the need for standards, professional practices, and regulatory frameworks to mitigate risks while fostering innovation. It also emphasises collaboration between government, industry, and experts to address challenges and opportunities in AI development responsibly.
2. Bills, bills, bills!
With new government comes new legislation – and 2025 will likely bring two new bills which will transform how the technology sector works.
The forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill aims to bolster the UK’s defences against increasing cyber threats from state actors and criminals targeting critical infrastructure and essential services. By expanding the scope of regulations to include more digital services and supply chains, strengthening oversight by regulators, and mandating more robust incident reporting, the bill seeks to address vulnerabilities and modernise outdated frameworks. This legislation will have a significant impact on the tech sector, requiring enhanced security measures, increased accountability, and collaboration across industries to safeguard the digital economy.
The Data Use and Access Bill aims to boost the economy by £10 billion and improve public services through more efficient data usage. Key initiatives include reducing police and NHS administrative burdens, enabling better data sharing within the NHS, and promoting innovation in open banking and digital verification. Safeguards will ensure privacy and secure data handling. This legislation is expected to streamline processes, foster economic growth, and modernise services, directly impacting the technology sector through expanded opportunities for innovation and digital solutions.
3. Cyber security: new threats, new solutions
AI will continue to evolve in 2025, and it will continue to change the cyber security landscape. AI acts as both a threat and an opportunity – Gen AI is being used by bad actors to create more sophisticated cyber-attacks; but it also enables the creation of more effective AI-based security systems, paving the way for new threat detection automation and new, stronger encryption algorithms.
Additionally, geopolitical developments, in particular escalating threats from state-sponsored actors such as Russia, Iran or China, will have a great effect on the UK’s approach to cyber. Recent warnings, including those from Chancellor Pat McFadden, highlight the Kremlin’s capacity to disrupt critical national infrastructure, such as power grids, and target businesses. Russia’s aggressive cyber-warfare tactics, including attacks by Kremlin-aligned hacking groups, underline the urgent need for robust cyber defences to safeguard national security and support allies like Ukraine. These challenges place cybersecurity at the forefront of the UK’s strategic and technological agenda.
There is growing interest in post-quantum cryptography to protect against future threats from the development of quantum computers. This signals a profound transformation in security approaches aimed at building trust in increasingly autonomous systems and technologies.
4. A new workforce: culture change and digital skills
Culture change has never been more important. As new technologies emerge and evolve, we have to put more effort into educating our workforce. AI poses a lot of opportunities, but to take full advantage of it, the trust for these new systems has to be improved. In 2025, culture change will be pivotal in the tech space as organisations will seek to align their workforce with rapid technological advancements and evolving societal expectations. Adopting emerging technologies requires fostering a culture of continuous learning, ethical responsibility, and inclusivity. Addressing biases, encouraging diverse perspectives, and establishing trust in tech-driven systems are crucial to ensuring responsible innovation. Shifting cultural norms will help bridge the gap between technical expertise and public accountability, enabling technology to deliver meaningful and equitable outcomes across society.
Closely tied to cultural change, 2025 will be the year of digital skills. Efforts to enhance digital literacy and workforce development in the UK public sector are focusing on addressing skills gaps both within organisations and across society at large. Recognising the importance of equipping employees with critical capabilities, initiatives such as the Civil Service Digital Skills Program aim to provide training in cybersecurity, data analytics, and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. These efforts extend beyond technical proficiency, emphasising the ability to recognise cyber threats, adhere to ethical data handling practices, and support compliance with regulations like GDPR. At the organisational level, upskilling programs and targeted recruitment are tailored to foster a workforce that is digitally agile and resilient, while externally, the public sector is striving for societal equity by promoting digital inclusion and offering opportunities to underrepresented groups. To attract young, tech-savvy talent, strategies include positioning public sector roles as purpose-driven and innovative, appealing to generational values. These initiatives are complemented by partnerships with private organisations, academic institutions, and professional bodies, creating pipelines for talent and ensuring long-term adaptability to technological change. Together, these efforts seek to modernise the public sector workforce and bridge societal digital divides, aligning internal organisational needs with broader public equity and innovation goals
5. Quantum computing
Quantum computing, and in particular post-quantum cryptography will continue to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds in 2025. Traditional encryption methods are vulnerable to the immense computational power of quantum computers. The rapid advancements in quantum computing are expected to render many current encryption technologies obsolete. Gartner predicts that by 2029, most conventional asymmetric algorithms will no longer provide adequate data security. Post-quantum cryptography is crucial for mitigating the risks posed by quantum computers.
6. Next-generation supply chains
In recent years, both private and public sectors have been faced with increasingly complex and unpredictable market conditions. Key technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, blockchain, IoT or satellite ground-based connectivity now play a strategic role in making supply chains more cost-effective, resilient, flexible and sustainable. By achieving a high level of maturity and reliability, these technologies enable companies to forecast more effectively and operate more efficiently in a dynamically changing environment.
These 6 tech trends for 2025 highlight both immense opportunities and pressing challenges. From autonomous AI agents revolutionising industries to cultural shifts fostering trust and inclusivity, the future of technology lies in balancing innovation with responsibility. With transformative legislation like the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and the Data Use and Access Bill, alongside a growing focus on next-generation supply chains and post-quantum security, the UK stands at the forefront of global tech evolution. The journey ahead requires collaboration, adaptability, and a shared commitment to shaping a resilient digital future.
Ola Jader
