Having recently announced the launch of the new UK Cyber Security Council, the UK government has followed up by announcing its plans to publish a new National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (the AI Strategy) later this year.
The aim of the AI Strategy is to build on the United Kingdom’s position as a global center for the development, commercialization, and adoption of responsible AI.
The AI Strategy will focus on the following:
- Growth of the economy through widespread use of AI technologies
- Ethical, safe, and trustworthy development of responsible AI
- Resilience in the face of change through an emphasis on skills, talent, and research and development
Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden announced the strategy, commenting, “Unleashing the power of AI is a top priority in our plan to be the most pro-tech government ever. The UK is already a world leader in this revolutionary technology and the new AI Strategy will help us seize its full potential—from creating new jobs and improving productivity to tackling climate change and delivering better public services.”
The intention is for the AI Strategy to align with the UK government’s overall plans to support jobs and economic growth through increased investment in infrastructure, skills, and innovation. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng noted, “The UK is already harnessing the enormous potential of AI to improve all our lives—from faster and more effective disease diagnosis, to controlling the heating in our homes. Through this strategy we will nurture our AI pioneers to accelerate bringing new technologies to market, unlock high-skilled jobs, drive up productivity and cement the UK’s status as a global science superpower.”
The UK government has confirmed plans to consider recommendations from stakeholders in industry, academia, and civil society, including the AI Council, which is the independent committee of experts that advises on artificial intelligence. The AI Council published the AI Roadmap in January this year, which set out a number of recommendations to the government on harnessing the power of AI, including recommending the establishment of a nationwide AI strategy.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has set up an online platform for individuals and organizations to register their interest in participating in the discussion on AI Strategy.