The UK government, together with the Global Partnership for Responsible AI Practices, has announced a £100 million investment to build AI research hubs and strengthen the regulatory framework, with a focus on healthcare, chemistry and mathematics.
The UK Government has announced significant investment of over £100 million to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) research and ensure the responsible development and use of the technology. This strategic investment is designed to position the UK as a global leader in safe and trustworthy AI and address both the opportunities and risks associated with the rapid technological advancements in AI.
A significant portion of this investment – almost £90 million – has been allocated to the creation of nine new research hubs across the UK. These hubs will support partnerships with the U.S. on responsible AI practices, with a focus on leveraging AI in critical fields such as healthcare, chemistry, and mathematics.They will also support innovative AI and machine learning solutions that are trustworthy and accountable. £19 million has been allocated to 21 projects through the Accelerating Trustworthy AI Phase 2 competition, which aims to develop and accelerate the deployment of these technologies to improve productivity.
The government’s approach to AI regulation is described as an agile, sector-specific approach that aims to foster innovation while quickly identifying and mitigating potential risks arising from AI technologies. This includes a £10 million investment to train and upskill regulators, giving them the tools they need to tackle AI-related risks across a range of sectors, from telecoms and healthcare to finance and education.
In line with the rapid development of AI, the UK held the International AI Safety Summit last November, and more than 25 countries signed the ‘Bletchley Declaration’. This declaration focuses on identifying shared risks and developing cross-border policies to mitigate them. Additionally, the UK Government has emphasized its commitment to an innovation-friendly and internationally coordinated approach to AI governance, encouraging collaboration between government, industry leaders and experts to support the responsible development of AI technologies.
This investment also includes establishing the world’s first AI safety laboratory to assess the risks of new AI models. This initiative, coupled with the UK’s global leadership in hosting the first major summit on AI safety at Bletchley Park, highlights the UK’s commitment to building a shared, evidence-based understanding of cutting-edge AI.
Critically, the UK’s strategy contrasts with the approach of the European Union, which recently agreed a risk-based framework for AI regulation. This highlights the UK’s preference for sector-specific guidance over comprehensive legislation, with the aim of providing a regulatory environment that responds to emerging risks and supports innovation.
In summary, the UK’s AI research and regulatory investment reflects a balanced approach that leverages the benefits of AI while ensuring its safe and responsible use. The UK aims to establish itself as a leader in the global AI landscape by focusing on developing sector-specific solutions, international collaboration and regulatory expertise.
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