Putting AI at the heart of Government’s agenda: UK Government appoints AI expert Matt Clifford to produce AI Opportunities Action Plan and announces new AI Opportunities Unit
Today, DSIT Secretary Peter Kyle appointed Matt Clifford, a tech entrepreneur and the Chair of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), to develop an AI Opportunities Action Plan, which will aim to increase the adoption of AI technologies. The Government will also establish an AI Opportunities Unit, to implement recommendations from the Action Plan.
The announcement underscores Government’s plans to make AI a central element of its strategy to foster economic growth and enhance public services.
AI Opportunities Action Plan and Establishment of AI Opportunities Unit
The Action Plan will explore strategies for building a scalable and competitive UK AI sector on the global stage. It will also address how best to ensure widespread AI uptake in the public and private sectors, considering the requisite infrastructure, talent, and data access.
The Action Plan will also consider key enablers, including the UK's computing and broader infrastructure needs by 2030. It will explore how this infrastructure can be made accessible to startups and scale-ups, and focus on developing and attracting top AI talent within both the public and private sectors.
Clifford will present a set of recommendations to the Secretary of State in September. DSIT will also establish an AI Opportunities Unit to consolidate expertise and knowledge, ensuring the effective implementation of the recommendations set out in the Action Plan.
Economic Impact and Productivity Gains
The Action Plan is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and stimulating economic growth. The plan’s announcement comes at an important time, and follows the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent estimation that the UK could experience annual productivity gains of up to 1.5% with the increased development and adoption of AI technologies.
Overall, AI is projected to boost UK GDP by up to 10.3% by 2030 and bring huge benefits for UK businesses with better productivity, efficiency and technology. But AI will first be deployed through updates to currently in use business software, meaning if UK companies are behind on basic digital adoption, they will soon be behind on AI adoption as well. Without addressing this gap, our economic growth and international competitiveness are at risk.
You can read the full announcement here.
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
Audre Verseckaite
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Samiah Anderson
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
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Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
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