The government has set out how it plans to use artificial intelligence to support its mission for change and economic growth, as well as improving public services.
This comes as the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary has appointed Matt Clifford, Chair of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, to lead research into how this can be done. As part of this work, Clifford will give the government a new AI Opportunities Action Plan, which will explore the ways that AI use can be accelerated to improve people’s lives.
Investigating the ways that the UK can build an AI sector fit for competing on the global stage, the plan will also outline how AI can be boosted across the entire economy by looking into the required infrastructure, talent, and data access for further adoption in the public sector.
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said:
“We’re putting AI at the heart of the government’s agenda to boost growth and improve our public services.
“Matt Clifford brings a wealth of experience and shares my ambition when it comes to realising the opportunities of AI, using it to drive growth and improve people’s lives.
“Together we will use AI to drive productivity and economic growth in every part of the country so we can make everyone better off.”
Alongside the action plan, which will be delivered in September alongside a set of recommendations for the Secretary of State, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will establish an AI Opportunities Unit that will collate the necessary knowledge and expertise to facilitate further use of AI. It is this unit that will implement the action plan’s recommendations.
Clifford also commented on the opportunities presented by AI, saying:
“AI presents us with so many opportunities to grow the economy and improve people’s lives. The UK is leading the way in many areas, but we can do even better.
“I’m excited to start work and develop an ambitious road map to identify the biggest opportunities and support the new government as it makes important choices about where to focus its efforts.”
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