AI and the UK - We Need Investment

The UK has always been a leader in technology, innovation and research – at least until relatively recently.

But we are not always the first to capitalise on the technology possibilities (unlike the USA) or the incentives that lead to inward investment (unlike Ireland) or capitalising on the possibilities for new jobs (unlike Asia and offshoring).

Today we in the UK have a massive opportunity to be a global leader in data and AI. The possibilities for tech innovation are not just the exciting part; it is the links to democracy and the very foundations of the western societies at stake – we need to set an example of how data and AI can be and should be used for public good, which others to follow.

It’s not unlike the development of the finance sector, where the City of London became a global powerhouse, because of its innovation, freedoms, transparency and effectiveness. We need to set a similar framework for digital data and technology, especially in the how information and data are used and AI deployed.

For example, the recent rise of right wing extremism is typically, fuelled by misinformation. That data. We need to create much stronger penalties for abuse, and standards for use.

But governments struggle with the concepts. They are advised by the wrong people with the wrong interests on digital and technology or are simply scared of the unknown. Or, as in the case of the last government, they simply 'jump on the bandwagon', without paying for the fare (Rishi Sunak and AI).

It is hugely disappointing therefore that the UK has decided to cut the proposed funding for AI and tech research following the discovery by the new Labour government that the last government lied about the funding basis on this.

Given they (the last conservative government) pretty much lied about everything, from the scale of the deficit to the funding of new hospitals, this is one area where they need to 'bite the bullet' and find the money to ensure the UK can be a global leader in data digital and technology. Not, once again, a follower simply because we have failed to invest in the underlying infrastructure, research and innovation on which our future economic prosperity will depend.