The British Government has big plans for its Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy. Its aim is to create a “superpower” presence over the next decade.
The plan appears to take a three-pronged approach; research and development, promoting skills and training and reviewing copyright processes.
Research and Development.
Among the Government plans are a National AI Research and Innovation Programme which will support the UK’s AI research and development initiative. This will help the UK’s research teams coordinate and collaborate on their attempts to develop the country’s AI capabilities. It will also promote the take-up of AI by private businesses and public sector bodies.
In terms of development, the plan also outlines an intention to launch a joint office for AI (OAI) and UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) programme. The aim of which is to continue to develop AI in sectors based outside of London and the South-East.
A joint review will be published with UKRI into the availability and the capacity of computing power for UK researchers and organisations – including the physical hardware needed to roll out a major AI technology project.
The report will also consider the wider needs of such a mass deployment, such as the commercialisation and the environmental impact.
If research and AI development are such a priority, then the plan must take steps to protect this. The UK Government will also need to review copyright and patents for AI through the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to ensure that the ideas and the generated AI inventions are protected.
Governance and Regulation.
There have also been calls for a white paper on the governance and regulation of AI. There is still an atmosphere of distrust around it; the paper would hope to disperse this and create confidence in its use.
Indeed, the strategy envisions the UK becoming a global leader in the governance of AI technologies. This part of the scheme involves trialling an AI Standards Hub to coordinate UK engagement in establishing global rules and standards. It will also work together with The Alan Turing Institute to update the guidance on AI ethics and safety in the public sector.
Training and skills.
It is widely known that the UK is suffering a tech talent shortage. If the UK is to become an AI global leader, it needs to have the talent to support its vision.
Another important component of the plan is to develop the UK’s AI talent. Through postgraduate learning, workforce retraining and a STEM focus in schools, the intention is to make sure the AI talent pool is both deep and wide.
Transforming sectors.
Pretty much every industry uses AI to some degree.
These are the sectors that are set for major disruption thanks to AI technologies.
- Healthcare
- Customer service and experience
- Banking, insurance and Financial Services.
- Logistics
- Retail
- Cybersecurity
- Transportation
- Marketing
- Defence
- Lifestyle
In sum,
Artificial Intelligence is one of the most revolutionary technologies of the 21st century. Undoubtedly, it has an indelible touchpoint but its true effects on existing markets are yet to be seen. The current capabilities of AI are already so transformative, yet we are at the very beginning of the journey.
We know that the UK has some of the best tech minds in the world – we have had the pleasure of working with them! It’s our belief that with a clear focus and funding the UK will realise its AI ambitions and go from strength to strength.
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