Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme: an AI-enabled big data analytical platform for government

This is an abridged version of the team's blog post.

What is the Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme?

Government departments increasingly need a clear, evidence-based understanding of global supply chains, whether to inform policy decisions, manage economic risk, or support operational delivery. The Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme (GSCIP) was created to meet this need. It integrates very large-scale commercial and government datasets and applies advanced data science and AI techniques to provide unprecedented insights into supply chains at a speed not possible in the past. This combination of scale and speed in supply chains, intelligence-gathering and analysis places GSCIP at the cutting-edge of government AI applications.

Why a centralised approach was needed

Supply chains inform almost every area of government activity, from economic security and international trade to procurement and crisis response. Yet historically, departments have often had to build their understanding in isolation, procuring similar datasets, developing bespoke tools, and duplicating analytical effort. This fragmented approach made it difficult to develop a consistent, timely picture of supply chain risks and opportunities across government. It also created barriers to collaboration, with analysts and policymakers working from different evidence bases and using different methods.

Building a shared capability

GSCIP started with a simple idea. Could government departments work together to build a shared analytical capability for understanding global supply chains, rather than each department attempting to solve the same problem independently?

Rather than aiming for a perfect solution upfront, GSCIP focused on building a minimum viable platform, testing it with real users, and iterating based on feedback. This agile approach allowed the team to learn quickly, demonstrate value early, and build momentum across departments.

Scaling GSCIP from a small, experimental capability into a cross-government platform was not straightforward. One of the biggest challenges was moving from a successful beta configuration to something adaptable enough to support multiple departments with differing needs and priorities.

GSCIP in action

GSCIP has transformed how government understands and uses supply chain intelligence. By bringing together multiple datasets and advanced analytical techniques on a single, secure platform, it has enabled analysts and policymakers to explore supply chains in ways that were previously difficult or impossible. The platform has supported a wide range of high-impact work, including informing major policy decisions. It has identified vulnerabilities in critical supply chains and improved the evidence base for operational and commercial decisions. By providing a shared view across departments, GSCIP has also helped align conversations and reduce duplication of effort.

Lessons in collaboration and iteration

One of the clearest lessons from GSCIP is the importance of early and sustained collaboration. Another key lesson was the value of starting small and iterating. Finally, investing time in relationships and trust was critical. Cross-government programmes rely as much on people as on technology.

The lessons learned along the way provide a valuable blueprint for others looking to turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

In 2025, the GSCIP team was recognised with the Analysis in Government Impact Award. It celebrated the programme’s role in informing major policy decisions, improving operational outcomes and driving innovation.

GSCIP’s journey from an uncertain and ambitious idea to an award-winning platform shows what is possible when government works across boundaries to tackle shared challenges. By combining data, analytics and digital expertise, the programme has delivered real impact while making better use of public resources.