techUK Welcomes Independent Review on How to Make the UK AI-Ready

16 Oct 2017 01:55 PM

techUK’s Head of AI Sue Daley comments on the new independent review, Growing the Artificial Intelligence Industry in the UK, released yesterday.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) can fundamentally increase productivity, improve the delivery of public services and change consumers’ everyday experiences. The independent review commissioned by Government, Growing the Artificial Intelligence Industry in the UK, is an important step in identifying where the UK must strengthen its technical, academic and research leadership to make it the best nation in the world for AI companies to thrive.

“If the UK is to realise the full economic and social benefits of AI, the Government must foster greater demand for and adoption within both the public and private sectors, and across industries. techUK stands ready to support the Government in this aim.

“We must not forget that this wave of new technology brings both excitement and concerns. AI raises profound social, legal and ethical questions, going beyond merely the use and protection of personal data. There are complex questions to be answered, such as what it means to be human in an AI-driven world; how to ensure AI systems are safe and acting in the interest of humans; and whether decisions made by AI are challengeable and understandable by humans. The goal for policy-makers and industry alike must be to ensure citizens are also brought along with the Government and industry on the UK’s AI journey, and feel the profound benefits this innovation can afford.”