The UK's AI moment: An ambitious new plan for innovation and growth
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In January, the UK Government has unveiled an ambitious new approach to artificial intelligence that aims to strengthen the UK's global competitiveness in AI development and adoption. Further details on funding and implementation will be set out through a number of upcoming announcements, including the Spending Review.
Matt Clifford's AI Opportunities Action Plan makes 50 recommendations across key areas: improving data capabilities and access, developing AI talent, reforming regulation, and driving adoption across both public and private sectors. The Plan includes significant commitments like a 20-fold increase in public compute capacity by 2030, new AI Growth Zones, and a dedicated function to support sovereign AI capabilities.?
The Government's response broadly accepts these recommendations, acting as a clear statement of intent to put AI at the heart of the UK's vision for public service reform and future economic growth. The Prime Minister emphasised this commitment, noting that not taking action would reduce the UK to a mere, "technology taker."?
Expected impacts?
The announcement is comprehensive in scope and, if executed effectively, could spark a 'quiet AI revolution' in how government and businesses operate. techUK strongly welcomes the announcement and the government's acceptance of Matt Clifford's recommendations, many of which reflect priorities we have long championed in our engagement with industry, policymakers, and regulators.?
However, while the Government's ambitions are clear, the details are mixed—particularly around compute timelines and visa reforms. Notable gaps include semiconductor supply planning, which remains critical for large-scale AI, and no commitment to an exascale computer. Broader challenges, such as hesitancy in AI adoption and the need for dedicated programmes and resources, also persist.
Given the rapid pace of technological change, the success of this Plan depends on swift and coordinated action. Without this, the UK risks missing this crucial opportunity to lead in AI innovation. With implementation steps planned between Spring 2025 and 2027, the upcoming Spending Review will be a crucial milestone. It must provide further detail on funding and actionable next steps, alongside further information through initiatives like the Cross-Government Review of Technology Adoption and the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce, where techUK is actively involved as a member.?
“Through this announcement the Prime Minister has set out how the Government sees AI as central to their plan for change. These are well thought out initiatives to boost the UK’s AI capabilities that will have positive effects across our society and economy. For example, by increasing the UK’s AI compute capacity, establishing AI Growth Zones in areas that need rejuvenation, improving our public services, and better resourcing our regulatory system to enable AI innovation.?Now that the Government has set out its Plan, it is time to act, and at pace. To drive new investment industry will want to see more detail on how this plan will be actioned within the next six months. Particularly as we face growing competition from other countries.?techUK and our members stand ready to work with the Government to deliver this plan and ensure the UK seizes the opportunities presented by AI technology.”?- Julian David OBE, CEO of techUK
If you're interested in this topic, join us on Monday, 10 March, in Westminster for the annual Tech Policy Conference. This event will bring together senior policymakers from Westminster, Whitehall, and beyond, along with our members, to tackle the biggest challenges and key issues shaping the industry.?
This year, the focus is on growth, with sessions covering Artificial Intelligence, workplace technologies, and digital infrastructure throughout the day.?
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Get involved with our #TechTogether: Working Together to Shape the Diverse and Inclusive Tech Sector of Tomorrow' full-month campaign that will run from 1 - 31 March!
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