The Government will “put AI into the veins” of the UK, with plans revealed today by Sir Keir Starmer.
The Prime Minister is expected to promise investment, jobs and economic growth as the sector booms.
It comes as his government battles allegations that it mismanaged the economy and hindered growth with last fall’s budget.
The government announcement states that if AI is “fully adopted”, it could bring £47 billion to the economy each year.
And it says £14 billion is expected to be invested by the private sector, creating around 13,000 jobs.
The majority of these would be for construction roles to build new data centers and other infrastructure, with a smaller number of technical jobs once the work is complete.
Mr Keir said: “Artificial intelligence will bring incredible changes to our country. From teachers customizing courses to helping small businesses maintain their records to expediting scheduling applications, this approach has the potential to transform workers’ lives.
“But the AI industry needs a government that stands by it, that doesn’t stand idly by and let opportunities slip away. And in a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand idly by. We must move quickly and act to win the global race. »
The Prime Minister added that he wanted Britain to become “the world leader” in AI.
The government announcement said: “Today’s plan puts AI in the veins of this enterprising nation. »
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To achieve this, the Government will implement the 50 recommendations made by Matt Clifford following his review last year.
This includes the creation of new AI “growth zones”, the first of which is expected to be in Culham, Oxfordshire, where the UK Atomic Energy Authority is based.
These areas will benefit from faster planning decisions and additional electricity infrastructure.
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The government also wants to increase the UK’s computing power 20-fold by 2030, including by building a brand new supercomputer.
Work canceled a planned supercomputer when he took office because he claimed it was unfunded. The new venture is expected to be a joint public-private project.
The government says its plans will be based on three pillars. This involves laying the foundations for new growth areas in AI and the new supercomputer.
The second is to boost the adoption of AI by the public and private sectors. New public service AI pilots are expected to be announced, and Sir Keir has written to all ministers asking them to drive the adoption and growth of AI.
And the third pillar is staying ahead of the curve, with the Government set to establish a “team” to keep the UK “at the forefront of emerging technologies”.
The announcement was welcomed by many technology bosses.
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Chris Lehane, director of global affairs at OpenAI, which published ChatGPT, said: “The Government’s AI action plan – led by the Prime Minister and (Science) Secretary Peter Kyle – recognizes the direction that AI development is taking and places the UK on the right. path to benefit from its growth.
“The UK has a huge national resource made up of the talent of its people, institutions and businesses who together can leverage AI to advance the country’s national interest. »
Shadow science, innovation and technology secretary Alan Mak said: “Labour’s plan will not help the UK become a technology and science superpower. They are establishing an analog government in the digital age.
“Shaping a successful AI future requires investment, but in the six months leading up to this plan, Labor cut £1.3 billion in funding for Britain’s first next-generation supercomputer and the research in AI, while imposing a national insurance employment tax which will be costly for businesses across the country. digital sector £1.66 billion.
“AI does indeed have the potential to transform public services, but Labour’s economic mismanagement and uninspiring plan will leave Britain behind.”