UK sets out its 5-year plan to remain a global AI superpower
The UK has unveiled its 5-year National Artificial Intelligence Strategy with the aim of securing the country’s place as “a global AI superpower”.
DeepMind, Benevolent AI, Graphcore, Darktrace, Oxbotica, and Behavox are just some of the companies that have established the UK’s place as Europe’s leader in AI.
Joanna Shields, CEO of Benevolent AI and Co-Chair of Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), commented: “A comprehensive strategy and vision for how we drive innovation, economic growth, job creation and social good. AI, successfully and ethically deployed, could become a foundational technology for the future growth of our economy and protecting our security and society.”
Demis Hassabis, Founder and CEO of DeepMind, said: “AI could deliver transformational benefits for the UK and the world accelerating discoveries in science and unlocking progress on key challenges facing society.”
Data released by Tech Nation highlights the UK now has more than 1,300 AI companies – a 600 percent increase over the last decade – with a collective turnover of almost $2B and employing more than 30,000 people. The country is ranked third in the world for private venture capital investment into AI companies.
While “deep tech” investments are slowing or even decreasing in many countries and regions, it continues to increase substantially in the UK.
Data this week showed that global investors poured £13.5 billion into more than 1,400 UK private technology firms between January and June this year—more than Germany, France, and Israel combined.
However, not to become complacent, the UK launched its 10-year strategy on the third day of London Tech Week. In addition to setting out how it plans to continue developing AI technologies, it also includes plans for a whitepaper on AI regulation to ensure leadership in safe and ethical deployments.
Chris Philp, DCMS Minister, said:
“Artificial intelligence technologies generate billions for the economy and improve our lives. They power the technology we use on a daily basis and help save lives through better disease diagnosis and drug discovery.
The UK already punches above its weight internationally and we are ranked third in the world behind the USA and China in the list of top countries for AI.
Today, we’re laying the foundations for the next ten years’ growth with a strategy to help us seize the potential of artificial intelligence and play a leading role in shaping the way the world governs it.”
Among the initiatives is the creation of a new National AI Research and Innovation program that will enhance coordination and collaboration between researchers.
Another program focuses on increasing AI development outside of London and Southeast England, where the vast majority of the country’s related efforts are concentrated.
Further government investment may also be allocated to incentivize the adoption of AI technologies in industries that are currently not taking full advantage, such as farming and energy production.