AI is a catalyst for regional development: New physical and social infrastructure can drive economic growth and create knowledge-sharing hubs across the UK accelerating the diffusion of skills, capital and opportunities beyond traditional tech hotspots.

The development of new AI products and services has been concentrated in technology hubs such as London, Cambridge and Oxford. Locating new developments, such as data centres, across the UK has the potential to drive regional economic and social development.   

Establishing regional AI clusters can lead to technological spill-overs and foster collaboration between businesses, research institutions and social infrastructure in more areas. Increased diffusion not only improves connectivity but also creates “waterholes”, spaces for informal knowledge-sharing to strengthen local ecosystems. The Government can support the diffusion process by bringing together government, business and academic organisations to improve local infrastructure and economic opportunities outside the traditional tech hotspots​.

The infrastructure required includes high performance data centres, high speed connectivity and high capacity utilities such as water and electricity. Having this in place is fundamental to the expansion and accessibility of AI, its absence will impede progress. Policy frameworks that promote the development and equitable distribution of AI-related infrastructure can also support regional development efforts​.

UKAI champions the planning and creation of ‘social’ infrastructure around any new developments (such as data centres) that will enable knowledge sharing, training and the creation of a wider ecosystem, market and job opportunities.