The government is poised to “integrate AI into the core” of the UK, with strategies being disclosed on Monday by Sir Keir Starmer.
The Prime Minister is anticipated to pledge financial backing, job creation, and economic expansion owing to a surge in the industry.
This announcement occurs as his administration confronts accusations of mismanaging the economy and hindering growth following last autumn’s budget.
The government’s declaration asserts that should AI be “wholeheartedly adopted,” it could inject £47 billion annually into the economy.
Furthermore, it indicates that £14 billion is anticipated to be invested by the private sector, resulting in approximately 13,000 new jobs.
The majority of these positions would be in construction, aimed at establishing new data centres and various other infrastructures, with a smaller fraction dedicated to technical roles following project completion.
Sir Keir remarked: “Artificial Intelligence will catalyze remarkable transformations in our nation. From educators customizing lessons, to assisting small enterprises with their bookkeeping, to expediting planning applications, it holds the capacity to enhance the lives of working individuals.”
“However, the AI sector requires a government that is supportive, one that won’t remain passive while opportunities are missed. In an era marked by intense rivalry, we cannot afford complacency. We must act swiftly to triumph in the global competition.”
The Prime Minister also expressed his desire for Britain to become “the global leader” in AI.
The government’s pronouncement stated: “Today’s strategy integrates AI into the very essence of this enterprising nation.”
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To realize this ambition, the government plans to execute all 50 recommendations made by Matt Clifford following his assessment last year.
This includes establishing new AI “growth zones,” the inaugural one anticipated to be located in Culham, Oxfordshire, where the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority operates.
Such zones will benefit from expedited planning resolutions and enhanced power infrastructure.
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The government also aims to augment UK computing capabilities twenty-fold by 2030, including the construction of a new supercomputer.
The Labour party abandoned a proposed supercomputer upon taking office, citing a lack of funding. The new initiative is expected to be a collaborative public-private effort.
The government states its initiatives will rest on three foundations. Firstly, establishing the AI growth zones and constructing the supercomputer.
The second aspect involves enhancing AI adoption in both public and private sectors. New pilot projects for AI within public services are anticipated to be revealed, and Sir Keir has communicated with all cabinet ministers, urging them to promote AI utilization and expansion.
The third pillar is maintaining a competitive edge, with the government planning to form a “team” dedicated to keeping the UK “at the forefront of emerging technology.”
This announcement received praise from numerous technology executives.
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Chris Lehane, the chief global affairs officer at OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, stated: “The government’s AI action strategy – spearheaded by the Prime Minister and [Science] Secretary Peter Kyle – acknowledges the trajectory of AI development and positions the UK favorably to harness its growth.
“The UK boasts a significant national asset in its people, institutions, and businesses, which can collectively leverage AI to advance the nation’s interests.”
The shadow secretary for science, innovation, and technology, Alan Mak, commented: “Labour’s approach will not facilitate the UK’s ascent as a tech and science superpower. They are executing an analogue government amidst a digital era.
“Fostering a successful AI future necessitates investment; however, in the six months preceding this plan, Labour eliminated £1.3 billion in funding for Britain’s first next-generation supercomputer and AI research while imposing a national insurance jobs tax that will burden businesses in the digital sector by £1.66 billion.
“AI indeed has the capacity to revolutionize public services, but Labour’s economic mismanagement and uninspiring strategy will leave Britain lagging behind.”
