To remain at the cutting-edge of AI technologies the UK needs long-term investment, innovation-friendly regulation and collaboration between research and industry, while addressing the significant ethical, safety, and competitive challenges posed by these rapidly evolving and transformative technologies.

Frontier AI is by definition the most advanced and emerging technology available, it presents specific challenges. Firstly, it is very hard to legislate for something that either is still being researched and built, or that is rapidly scaling and evolving. Secondly, the research required to develop new AI systems requires a commitment to significant investment over relatively long periods of time, before an economic benefit can be achieved. Thirdly, the scale and power of the new products that come from frontier AI will be transformative in their impact and this could cause both major positive and negative outcomes.

Historically, the UK has been a leader in pioneering new AI technologies, with many foundational tools, products and systems being developed in UK universities and businesses. For example, three British-based scientists were recently awarded Nobel prizes in Physics (for foundational algorithms) and Chemistry (for AI powered research into Proteins). Frontier AI applications are especially relevant to sectors like life-sciences, healthcare, finance and energy, where they offer transformative capabilities. However, these developments require careful regulation to address safety and ethical challenges associated with their deployment​

As the rest of the world invests in education, infrastructure and industrial strategies it will be harder for the UK to retain its position of leadership and remain competitive. The UK needs a regulatory environment that is conducive to innovation, access to investors with long-term horizons and an ecosystem that brings together research institutions, businesses and customers.