Cisco: Pioneering Responsible and Transparent AI Innovation

Global technology company Cisco has approximately 90,400 employees, spread across more than 275 offices in at least 90 countries.

By combining networking, security, observability and collaboration, Cisco aims to provide critical infrastructure to help organisations thrive in the age of AI.

Cisco's FY25 Purpose Report demonstrates how AI innovation and responsible technology practices are embedded throughout its business operations to benefit customers, communities and the broader digital ecosystem.

Leveraging AI and analytics

Cisco's technology portfolio positions the company as a foundational player in the AI era, with its integrated approach to networking, security and collaboration creating the critical infrastructure required for AI deployment at scale.

The company leverages AI and advanced analytics across its operations to monitor and optimise complex systems.

In fiscal 2025, it implemented 78 energy efficiency projects that avoid approximately 27,200 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year, using AI to optimise energy, airflow and cooling in its laboratories.

This application of AI for operational efficiency demonstrates the technology's potential to transform enterprise resource management beyond traditional approaches.

Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of Cisco, says: "In this AI era, Cisco's technology is more relevant than ever and the trust our customers and partners place in us has never mattered more.

"The innovation we are delivering today will undoubtedly shape the world we live in tomorrow and we know that aligning our technology with our Purpose – to Power an Inclusive Future for All – only amplifies our impact. We see this every day through all the meaningful ways our solutions make a difference."

Intelligent design and AI-driven innovation

Since 2019, Cisco has incorporated Circular Design Principles into its product and packaging design, leveraging technology to optimise material usage and product lifecycle management.

By FY25, the company achieved its target of having 100% of new Cisco products and packaging meeting its design criteria. It also exceeded its goal of reducing foam used in product packaging by 75%, achieving a 78% reduction in FY25 compared to FY19.

These principles include using recycled materials, designing products for efficient packaging and transportation, optimising component design for repair or reuse and focusing on smart energy consumption.

The integration of AI and data analytics into design processes enables more sophisticated modelling and optimisation, allowing companies to predict performance outcomes and refine product development cycles.

Leading responsible AI deployment

Cisco aims to be a leader in secure AI research, with a focus on using the technology in a responsible way.

The company prioritises trust and transparency throughout its AI lifecycle, while encouraging other organisations to adopt similar frameworks.

Cisco is partnering with government agencies, private sector and international stakeholders to help shape national and international AI strategies, providing knowledge to improve regulations and public policies around AI.

Mary de Wysocki, Chief Sustainability Officer at Cisco, writes on LinkedIn: "In FY25, we delivered meaningful progress across our operations, products and value chain, reaching several important multi-year milestones that support energy efficiency, resilience and long-term value creation.

"I'm proud of the teams and partners behind this progress and the consistency and collaboration it takes to deliver results at scale.

"As we look ahead, we'll continue focusing on solutions that help our customers operate more efficiently, build resilience and grow responsibly in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world."

Cisco's approach to AI governance signals a broader industry shift towards balancing innovation with ethical considerations, as organisations navigate the complexities of deploying AI systems that require both technical excellence and stakeholder trust.