UK Government to announce boost for artificial intelligence in digital strategy

Artificial intelligence - Image credit: Fotolia

The UK Government will launch a “major review” this week into the implications for the UK economy of advances in artificial intelligence.

The move will be announced on Wednesday as part of the UK Government’s long-awaited digital strategy, which will also include £17m extra funding for universities to develop new AI and robotics technologies.

UK Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said the money and review would help the UK stay “at the forefront" of digital innovation.

The review will be led by Dame Wendy Hall, Professor of Computing at the University of Southampton, and BenevolentTech CEO Jérôme Pesenti.

It will identify ways for government and industry to “work together to drive growth in the sector, to realise all the economic and social benefits for the UK”.

“Backing our thriving digital economy to expand and grow by putting the best foundations in place to develop new technology is a vital part of this government’s plan to build a modern, dynamic and global trading nation,” Bradley said.

UK Government Business Secretary Greg Clark said the digital strategy “underlines our commitment to this vital sector”.

He added: “By supporting British businesses and investing in dynamic fields such as robotics and AI, we will help put the UK at the forefront of global innovation.”

The AI sector could add £654bn to the UK economy by 2035, according to one analysis by consulting group Accenture cited by the UK Government.