Paris AI Summit Day One
Paris AI Summit Day One Cycling back from the Grand Palais, Paris’s streets were gridlocked thanks to road closures caused by the AI Summit. The disruption, attendees joked, was mimicking what’s to come with AI.But as Faculty’s Marc Warner told the Tony Blair Institute, ‘deals will be done here’ because the summit has, with a much wider remit than the Bletchley original, become the centre of AI hype and a genuine gathering point for the whole industry.What it hasn’t done, however, is covered the cracks in divergent international positions.Here are five questions people are asking themselves: Can Europe establish itself as the AI superpower it ought to be? Success stories such as Mistral are the exception, and will the major new investments announced here turn out to really be new money? Summit sources are briefing that who signs the final communique doesn’t matter, because of important announcements on monitoring the impact of AI via new observatories, and on commitments to open source. Is that just what they have to say with the US and the UK unlikely to sign it? Which is the biggest elephant in the room – the likelihood of AGI in 3-5 years, the impact of AI on energy use, or the challenges some maintain could come from AI destroying humanity? All of these are getting relatively little attention compared to expectations. With policymakers inevitably reacting rather than leading the AI revolution, what is the best course to try to take? Attracting investment and focusing on skills feels like the only option, but neither is likely to be sufficient for countries currently lagging. What’s the best way to encourage adoption? Literacy, identifying game-changing data sets and also working out how to reshape tasks so AI is most useful – all of these have interesting roles to play, but nobody has neat answers here in Paris. Tomorrow, JD Vance and other political leaders will make the weather – hopefully an improvement on the metaphorical and literal cold rain here so far.
Leading the Future: Roundtable 20th of January
Leading the Future: Parliamentary Roundtable – Monday 20th of January The “Leading the Future: Developing the UK’s AI-Ready Workforce” roundtable, hosted by UKAI and Bradley Thomas MP at the House of Commons, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for equipping the UK workforce with the right AI skills. The event focused on closing the digital divide, integrating AI literacy into education, fostering industry-led training and supporting workforce transitions. Participants from business, academia and the third sector explored how AI can be embedded into early education, lifelong learning and workplace training to ensure both technical and non-technical workers are prepared for an AI-driven future. Additionally, discussions addressed the importance of balancing skills development with ethical AI use, fair work practices and ensuring regional and gender inclusivity in AI talent development. Key themes from the roundtable included the importance of industry involvement in training, the need for flexible qualification frameworks and the challenge of attracting global AI talent while ensuring opportunities for UK workers. Participants debated the role of AI in reshaping jobs, strategies for reskilling displaced workers and policies to support equitable access to AI training across different regions and demographics. There was also strong interest in improving public understanding of AI and ensuring the UK remains globally competitive through workforce development strategies. This event served as a critical step in shaping practical policies and partnerships to build a future-ready, AI-literate workforce. The full report will be shared with members and the Government.
How do we evaluate the AI Opportunities Action Plan?
How do we evaluate the AI Opportunities Action Plan? The UK Government has announced that the AI Opportunities Action Plan is coming, and when it arrives I am sure that there will be a lot of opinions on whether it is good, or bad and on what it misses, and hopefully what it gets right. Over the last few months UKAI has been talking to members, businesses across the UK in the AI sector, to understand what they care about most. These have been distilled down into 5 Policy Pillars. UKAI can now measure the Action Plan against these 5 Policy Pillars in our Evaluation Scorecard. This gives us a way to quantify the plan, comparing it with previous and future policies, and measuring how effective it is at supporting UK businesses in the AI Sector. We’re confident that there will be a lot of great actionable ideas. Our optimism is because the plan was authored by Matt Clifford, a successful, well known and well connected entrepreneur. Clifford understands the realities of running businesses. In addition, Clifford and the department have spoken to many businesses across the AI sector. UKAI was formed to provide a voice into the Government for the AI sector and to help the Government implement its AI policies and plans, so for us the Action Plan is fundamental. It should be the linchpin that brings Government and Businesses together with Academia and Investors in a plan that can not only drive economic growth but also social progress, across communities across the UK. We hope our optimism will not be misplaced. We are here to support the Government, through our membership, to deliver this plan but we will also highlight any areas where our members feel the plan falls short. Watch this space.
UK AI News in December 2024 Major Themes
Major Themes in AI News in the UK, in December 2024 We’ve analysed all of the major news stories in December 2024. You can find a list with links of the major stories, government announcements, research reports and more on this page. Here are some of the main themes. 1. Regulation and Governance The UK is actively shaping AI regulation with proposals to enhance transparency in AI training and balancing copyright protections. Consultations and amendments to data and copyright laws aim to align AI growth with creative industry needs. Calls for banning fully automated decision-making and enhancing ethical AI frameworks. Investment criteria and strategic oversight for government AI initiatives are being developed. 2. AI in Public Services and Infrastructure AI’s role in modernizing public services, including NHS trials for type 2 diabetes detection and benefits fraud detection, highlights its potential. Investment in data centers and AI-specific infrastructure underlines readiness for AI-driven services. 3. Economic and Strategic Development AI is positioned as a driver of the UK economy, with initiatives to ensure the country’s leadership in AI readiness and implementation. Efforts include AI hubs like the London AI Campus and partnerships for transforming AI models for sustainability. AI is a pivotal factor in clean energy transitions and climate tech investments. 4. Ethical and Social Concerns Concerns around AI’s impact on decision-making, privacy, and potential biases in systems used for public welfare, such as benefits fraud detection. Issues related to the exclusion of marginalized groups, like blind individuals, from the benefits of AI. Criticism of AI’s management in institutions like the Alan Turing Institute, and broader diversity challenges. 5. Creative and Cultural Industries Resistance from arts and media sectors to proposed copyright relaxations for AI model training. Studies exploring AI’s potential while safeguarding the creative industry’s integrity. 6. AI’s Role in Education and Accessibility AI is viewed as transformative for students with disabilities, although schools are adapting to leverage its full potential. The need for guidelines to optimize AI use in education while mitigating risks is emphasized. 7. International Collaboration and Leadership Partnerships, such as with Qatar, aim to enhance global AI collaboration. The UK is positioning AI as a tool for international peace and security. 8. Ethics, Risk, and Future Concerns Concerns about AI’s manipulation of decision-making and its long-term risks, with some experts warning of existential threats. Debates on balancing AI innovation with ethical oversight remain central. 9. Health and Environmental Applications Innovations like AI detecting heart conditions and identifying river hazards illustrate AI’s expanding role in healthcare and environmental safety. 10. Public Sentiment and Awareness Surveys indicate public attitudes toward AI and data, reflecting a mix of support and concern for its implications. 1. Regulation and Governance 2. AI in Public Services and Infrastructure 3. Economic and Strategic Development 4. Ethical and Social Concerns 5. Creative and Cultural Industries 6. AI’s Role in Education and Accessibility 7. International Collaboration and Leadership 8. Ethics, Risk, and Future Concerns 9. Health and Environmental Applications 10. Public Sentiment and Awareness
Unlocking the UK’s Economic Potential with AI: A Blueprint for Growth
Unlocking the UK’s Economic Potential with AI: A Blueprint for Growth http://ukai.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GDP-Promo.mp4 This report, sets out a strategic vision for leveraging artificial intelligence as a transformative engine of economic growth. Highlighting the UK’s competitive edge as a global AI leader, the analysis presents a roadmap of nine actionable levers, from bolstering deep tech investment and reducing energy costs to fostering high-growth segments like fintech and biotech. The report emphasises AI’s potential to generate trillions in value, supercharge productivity and close the economic gap with global competitors. Download it now to discover how your organisation can be part of this transformative journey. Discover how AI can add £1 trillion to the UK economy by 2030, kick-starting an advanced manufacturing revolution, transforming industries and driving unparalleled growth. Learn actionable strategies to position your business at the forefront of the AI revolution and outpace global competition. Unlock exclusive insights on high-growth markets, investment opportunities and practical ways to attract and retain top global talent to the UK.
UKAI appoints advisory board
UKAI Welcomes Experts to Advisory Board Marking the next stage of its growth, UKAI is proud to announce the appointment of three founding members to its Advisory Board; former Shadow Secretary of State, Thangam Debbonaire, former Minister of State for AI, Matt Warman and digital expert Amir Malik. These well known figures from across the political spectrum, bring significant expertise and extensive networks in the AI sector and across government, ensuring that UKAI’s work is guided by strategic insight and informed by deep connections across policy and industry. The Advisory Board will play a crucial role in shaping UKAI’s vision, advising its executive team and amplifying its impact as it champions the UK’s AI sector. The current executive team comprises co-founders, Tim Flagg, Ben Howlett and Dominic Endicott who bring together the business, government and investor communities, respectively. Thangam Debbonaire was Labour Member of Parliament for Bristol West and Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Commenting on her appointment to the Advisory Board, Thangam said, “AI is a big part of our present and an even bigger part of our future, as individuals, as a country and as a world. I’m delighted to have been invited to join UKAI as an advisor, and help to make AI a force for good in our lives and the world.“ Matt Warman was the Conservative Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness and was Minister of State at the Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport between 2022 and 2024. Highlighting the timeliness of UKAI’s launch, Matt said, “Britain’s on the cusp of an AI revolution – UKAI serves as a powerful voice for the industry to speak to government, investors and the public.” Amir Malik is Global Managing Director of Digital Transformation & AI at Alvarez and Marsal, specialising in the targeted application of AI and emerging technologies. Prior to A&M, Amir led Accenture’s Digital Transformation and Data-Driven Marketing practice and was formerly at Google and Microsoft. Speaking about the unique opportunity for the UK to lead in AI, Amir added, “By leveraging its heritage as a world leader in technology innovation, capitalising on its booming AI start up industry and underlining its reputation for pioneering regulatory fairness, the UK has the trifecta of capabilities required to lead the charge on AI.” Speaking at the UKAI event at the House of Lords earlier this week, Tim Flagg, COO of UKAI said, “I’m excited to welcome Thangam, Matt and Amir to the advisory board, bringing substantial expertise, insights and contacts to help us achieve those objectives.”
Does this Budget Unlock the UK’s Opportunity to Lead in AI?
“Overall, we welcome the £20 billion investment in the ‘growth industries of the future’ and the increased investment in education and apprenticeships, but it was disappointing not to have more detail about how this investment will support the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. Regional investment is vital to put the AI sector at the heart of the future economic growth and social progress of the UK, but there was surprisingly little new investment in regional clusters, developing the physical and social infrastructure that is required.” Tim Flagg, COO, UKAI The UK is a global leader in AI, but we’re at a crossroads. Today’s budget set out the Government’s economic plan. As the voice of the AI sector, UKAI champions pro-AI, pro-business policies. We’ve analysed the budget and its impact on the AI sector. [UKAI members can schedule a full budget briefing]. 1. Economic Growth: Supporting SMEs The minimum wage for over 21s, known as the National Living Wage, will increase by 6.7% to £12.21 from April 2025. Employer’s National Insurance will increase from 13.8% to 15% from April 2025 and this will become payable at the lower threshold of £5,000 (previously £9,100). Many smaller businesses can claim the Employment Allowance on National Insurance, which the Government is increasing from £5,000 to £10,500. They estimate this means 865,000 small business employers won’t pay any national insurance at all, and one million are expected to pay the same as they did previously. What this means for the AI Sector Whilst the Government has tried to offset the increase of Employer’s National Insurance with the Employment Allowance, the increase in minimum wage will still be an additional cost to smaller AI businesses. The net result is making ‘offshoring’ more attractive for cash-strapped businesses that need additional resources to grow. 2. Skills & Education £6.7bn extra investment in schools. £300m extra for further education. Increase in the minimum wage for apprentices from £6.40 to £7.55. What this means the AI Sector There was very little detail in this Budget on where and how this investment will be allocated. This could be a valuable investment in the future talent that the country needs, particularly if there is a focus on the mathematical and technical skills required by our sector. The increase in minimum wage for apprentices is also welcomed: AI and technology specific apprenticeships are an important way to develop future talent with up-to-date skills. 3. Regional Development Greater control to regional mayors with ‘Integrated Settlements’ for Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Allocation of funding (part of the £20bn for Innovation) to extend the Innovation Accelerators in West Midlands, Glasgow and Manchester. £500m to improve broadband connectivity across the country. What this means the AI Sector This signals the Government’s intent to see greater regional development. However, it was rather lacking in ambition and scope. We expected to see greater focus on building regional clusters around technology hubs, attracting further private sector investment and creating greater physical and social infrastructure, across more regions. 4. Innovation £20bn for the Growth Industries of the Future. Including £6.1bn for Engineering, Biotechnology and Medical Science Research England and £500m for Life Sciences. What this means the AI Sector It’s still quite unclear what will be included in this £20bn investment and how it will be allocated across different industries. Hopefully a significant proportion of this will be directed to the AI sector, beyond those in the Biotechnology and Medical Science sectors. 5. Investment Lower rate of Capital Gains Tax to increase by 80% (10% to 18%). Higher rate to increase by 20% (20% to 24%). Tax on carried interest, affecting private equity investors, will increase from 28% to 32% in April. What this means the AI Sector This will have an impact on both the angel investors and venture capitalists that fund many high growth businesses, potentially reducing their appetite for investment. These increased taxes will also be a consideration for business founders. Many scaling businesses have also indicated that this tax increase will make UK businesses less attractive when trying to attract senior global talent, because it will effectively mean that their stock-options are now worth less. 6. Absence of AI Industrial Strategy The Government has previously talked about putting AI at heart of its economic plans, so it was disappointing that there was a noticeable absence of AI specific investment, or the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. We hope that further detail will be forthcoming on the £20bn investment in the ‘Growth Industries of the Future’, which will provide further clarity.
