DESIGN
EDITOR’S COMMENT
The tectonic plates of technology are shifting
At London Tech Week this month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged tech leaders to grasp the opportunities of AI. Speaking at the launch of the tenth London Tech Week, the PM said that the UK must act quickly if we want to retain our position as one of the world’s tech capitals. He argued that as the “tectonic plates of technology are shifting”, the UK must harness innovation to become the best place for tech businesses to invest and grow, in turn growing the economy and creating jobs. With world-leading universities, more tech unicorns than France and Germany combined, and one of the most digitally literate societies in the world, the Prime Minister made clear that the UK is starting from a position of strength, outlining how Government will work with businesses to capitalise on the opportunities presented by transformative technologies, such as AI. From building one of the most pro-investment tax regimes, to committing almost a fifth of our entire capital budget to R&D – the highest level this country has ever seen – and investing record sums in building our quantum capability, the Prime Minister underlined his commitment to creating the right conditions for innovators to thrive. The Prime Minister told tech leaders: “We must act – and act quickly – if we want not only to retain our position as one of the world’s tech capitals but to go even further and make this the best country in the world to start, grow and invest in tech businesses.
“That is my goal. And I feel a sense of urgency and responsibility to make sure we seize it.” Following his announcement that the UK will host the first major global summit on AI safety later this year, the Prime Minister also stressed the UK’s leadership as a democratic AI power – already home to top AI labs, including DeepMind. This has been recognised globally by like-minded countries and partners, who have agreed to work together to mitigate the risks through internationally coordinated action. The UK’s expert taskforce on AI foundation models, backed by £100 million in Government funding, will lead on cutting-edge AI safety in the UK. During his speech, the Prime Minister outlined the opportunities AI presents as well as the need to ensure its development remains safe and responsible. That includes bringing together academia, leading tech companies and Government to deliver the benefits that will improve people’s lives. The Prime Minister said: “Already we’ve seen AI help the paralysed to walk; and discover superbug-killing antibiotics – and that’s just the beginning. “The possibilities are extraordinary. But we must – and we will – do it safely. “I want to make the UK not just the intellectual home, but the geographical home of global AI safety regulation.”
Stay tuned for more AI news and stories!
Paige West, Managing Editor
4 ELECTRONICSPECIFIER.COM
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