The United Kingdom has announced plans to invest over £100 million ($125 million) in artificial intelligence (AI) research and training, aiming to position the country as a global leader in the field.
Unveiled on Tuesday, the government’s initiative includes the creation of nine new AI research hubs across the UK. The funding will also support projects focused on the responsible use of AI in various sectors, such as education, policing, and the creative industries. Additionally, the government plans to train regulators on managing the risks and benefits associated with AI.
Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, highlighted the transformative potential of AI, emphasizing its ability to improve public services, boost the economy, and contribute to medical advancements, particularly in the treatment of diseases like cancer and dementia.
“AI is advancing rapidly, but we’ve shown that humans can keep pace,” Donelan stated. “By adopting an agile, sector-specific approach, we’ve begun to address the risks, paving the way for the UK to become one of the first countries to safely harness AI’s benefits.”
This announcement follows the UK’s launch of the world’s first institute dedicated to AI safety in November and its hosting of a global summit on the topic. During the summit, more than 25 countries signed the Bletchley Declaration, acknowledging the potential for AI to cause “serious, even catastrophic, harm.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has emphasized the importance of government-led regulation in assessing and mitigating AI risks, arguing that only governments have the “power and legitimacy to keep their people safe.”
The government’s plan has been welcomed by major players in the AI industry, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. Lila Ibrahim, Chief Operating Officer of Google DeepMind, praised the initiative, particularly the support for regulators and the adoption of a “hub and spoke” model that leverages domain expertise.
“AI offers a unique opportunity to drive progress for humanity,” Ibrahim said. “We look forward to collaborating with the government to ensure the UK continues to lead in AI research and sets the standard for effective regulation.”