The government is trialling 120 projects on how AI could help small businesses be more productive as part of its first wave of initiatives to boost the economy. The projects include an AI tool that can predict potholes as they appear and another which can anticipate where mould is likely to grow in buildings. Each of the projects will receive a share of £7 million in Government funding to help test AI technology.
On Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the UK’s economic framework to boost growth and deliver services more efficiently. The AI Opportunities Action Plan is set to receive £14 billion investment from leading tech firms and is expected to create 13,250 jobs, the government said.
The jobs will be predominantly in construction for new data centres and infrastructure, with a portion allocated to technical roles post-construction. Sir Keir Starmer said the investment is expected to increase productivity and support small businesses, “will drive incredible change” in the country and “has the potential to transform the lives of working people” “
However, some are questioning how much time and money is required to invest in AI infrastructure, with concerns over-borrowing and the fall of the pound. The government tasked AI adviser Matt Clifford with creating a UK action plan for supporting the growth of artificial intelligence and its use in public services. He came back with 50 recommendations which are now being implemented. These include making a new supercomputer to boost computing power and plans to increase the UK’s computing power twentyfold by 2030.
Prime Minister Sir Kir Starmer emphasised AI’s transformative potential across various sectors, including education, small business operations, and public services. AI will be used by the public sector to enable its workers to spend less time doing admin and more time delivering services. Several “AI Growth Zones” around the UK will be created, involving big building projects and new jobs.
AI will be fed through cameras around the country to inspect roads and spot potholes that need fixing. Teachers and small business owners were highlighted as two groups that could start using AI for things like faster planning and record-keeping. AI is already being used in UK hospitals for important tasks such as diagnosing cancer more quickly and it will continue to be used to support the NHS.
Sir Kir Starmer said: “Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country… it has the potential to transform the lives of working people.” He also emphasised securing the UK’s position in the global AI race which requires proactive government support.
Alan Mak, the shadow secretary for science, innovation, and technology, contended that the government’s approach is inadequate for establishing the UK as a tech and science superpower. He highlighted previous funding cuts to AI research and accused Labour of undermining this goal with its economic policies.
Steve Young, SVP and MD, Dell Technologies, UK, praised the Government’s investment into AI, saying: “The AI Opportunities Action Plan offers a bold framework for harnessing AI’s potential and establishing the UK as a global leader. It highlights the importance of speed and scale in delivering AI’s benefits and recognises that strategic investment in infrastructure, public computing and talent will be crucial.
However, some business leaders questioned the cyber security of networks in the AI realm, and how susceptible they were to cyberattacks. Andrew Rose, CSO at SoSafe said: “While we are excited about the UK government’s focus on unlocking the power of AI, we must not forget the increased threat this technology has created. AI is being deployed by criminals to create sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks, widening the attack surface.” He added: “It is therefore critical that public-private partnerships to boost AI rollout must be supplemented with the appropriate security measures.”
