On 23 September 2021, the Government launched its first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy.
The Government has stated that the strategy will help to cement the UK’s position as a global science superpower and seize the potential of modern technology to improve people’s lives and solve global challenges such as climate change and public health.
According to the Government, ‘alongside measures to develop the next generation of AI talent through continued support for postgraduate learning, retraining and making sure children from wide backgrounds can access specialist courses, the strategy will position the UK as a global leader in raising the standards around the use of the technology while building the case for deeper investor confidence.’
The strategy focuses on three pillars. These are;
- making sure the country invests in the long term growth of AI;
- making sure that AI benefits all sectors and regions of the economy;
- making sure AI is governed effectively by adequate rules which encourage innovation, investment and protect the public and the country’s fundamental values.
The strategy includes measures to support skills, including the Turing Fellowships Programme and Centres for Doctoral Training and postgraduate industrial masters and conversion courses. The Government has also announced plans to support the National Centre for Computing Education to ensure programmes for children in AI are widely accessible.
For more information on the National AI Strategy, see here.