Reacting to Government plans to boost the UK’s AI capabilities and defences, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This is a strong package of measures to support the UK’s AI resilience and spread its benefits more widely in every postcode. We are already home to some of the most innovative businesses in the world for developing AI models, but they face barriers to scale.
“More funding for the Sovereign AI Fund should strengthen the cohorts of the UK’s home-grown talent, while a new UK Advanced Chip Design Academy is a step towards bolstering capability and resilience.
“Taking a pragmatic approach to some of the challenges of AI by building on our leading role in its safety is essential. This includes investment in the AI Security Institute and the National AI Biosecurity Initiative.
“Alongside funding to improve understanding of AI’s impact on the workforce, these measures should unlock AI innovation at home, while also leading the world on safety.
“But we must not stop here. AI offers huge opportunities for businesses. Our research shows adoption is growing rapidly among firms, but it is at varying degrees and sectoral differences remain. Government should now look to address barriers to AI adoption to unlock growth across all firms.”