The government has announced a new initiative aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to stimulate economic growth and enhance the efficiency of public services across the UK.
The AI Opportunities Action Plan, set to be unveiled on Monday, will be supported by leading tech firms, which have pledged £14 billion towards various AI-driven projects, projected to create over 13,000 jobs. The plan includes designated growth zones focused on development and proposes using AI to address local issues, such as road maintenance and pothole repairs.
“I want to ensure that AI benefits people from all backgrounds and communities across the UK,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary for Science and Technology, in an interview with the BBC.
Strategic recommendations and investment in AI infrastructure
Last year, AI adviser Matt Clifford was tasked with developing a national action plan. His report, which outlined 50 key recommendations, is now being implemented. Among these is the construction of a new supercomputer to enhance the nation’s computing capacity—an initiative that marks a policy shift, as a previous plan to build a supercomputer at Edinburgh University had been scrapped by the Labour government.
Shadow Science Secretary Alan Mak criticized Labour’s approach, stating that “Labour is delivering analogue government in a digital era.” He argued that while AI could help reduce public spending, Labour’s broader economic policies risk undermining its potential.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted AI’s transformative potential, saying, “AI will drive incredible change in Britain and has the power to improve the lives of working people. Our strategy will position the UK as a global leader in AI innovation.”
Kyle expressed confidence in the UK’s ability to develop tech giants on par with global leaders like Google and Amazon. “Currently, we don’t have any major frontier companies that are British-owned. DeepMind, which began here, is now owned by an American firm. We want to foster the environment needed to build and sustain such companies in Britain,” he said.
DeepMind, known for pioneering AI capable of mastering video and board games, was founded by University College London students before being acquired by Google.
Economic impact of AI adoption
Citing International Monetary Fund data, the government estimates that fully embracing AI could contribute an average of £47 billion annually to the UK economy over the next decade.
How AI will benefit citizens
The government’s AI strategy is expected to deliver tangible benefits to various sectors. In the public sector, AI will reduce administrative workloads, allowing employees to focus on core services. Growth zones across the country will foster job creation and infrastructure development.
AI-driven road monitoring systems will use cameras to detect and report potholes, streamlining repairs. Teachers and small business owners are also expected to benefit from AI tools that facilitate faster planning and record management.
Moreover, AI is already making an impact in healthcare, where it assists with critical tasks such as cancer diagnosis. Its role in supporting the NHS is set to expand further, improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Photo by mikemacmarketing, Wikimedia commons.