Powering tomorrow's cities: Opportunities for the UK in the urban AI revolution
Guest blog by Deloitte
The global race to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our urban landscapes, presenting both significant challenges and immense opportunities for the UK technology sector. In a recent collaboration with ThoughtLab, Service Now and NVIDIA, we developed a study that surveyed 250 cities worldwide, revealing a dramatic acceleration in AI adoption for enhancing city operations, services, and citizen experiences. This shift towards 'AI-powered cities' signifies a critical juncture for UK tech companies to lead, innovate, and collaborate.
The global AI surge and UK's position
The study underscores the speed and scale of AI deployment. Over half of the cities surveyed are already actively using AI, with this number expected to grow exponentially – nearly half anticipate wide usage within three years. While larger cities currently lead due to greater resources, the increasing accessibility of AI, including Generative AI (GenAI), is enabling smaller cities, including some in the UK like Edinburgh and Coventry, to make strides. Notably, 87% of cities globally are planning, piloting, or using GenAI, highlighting its transformative potential beyond traditional AI for tasks like data analysis, content generation, and service personalisation.
This global momentum translates into tangible opportunities for the UK. Cities are actively seeking AI solutions across diverse domains:
Government Operations: Automating processes, analysing vast data volumes, and improving decision-making.
Safety & Resilience: Enhancing public safety through video analytics, crime forecasting, and disaster response.
Infrastructure & Mobility:Implementing predictive maintenance, smart traffic management, and optimising public transport.
Sustainability: Improving energy efficiency, waste management, and environmental monitoring.
Navigating challenges: Where the UK can lead
The path to AI-powered cities is not without hurdles. The report identifies key challenges where the UK tech sector's expertise is crucial:
Data & Infrastructure: Cities require modern, secure, cloud-based platforms and integrated data management systems to support AI initiatives.
Skills Gap: There's a pressing need for AI talent and training within public sector bodies. UK firms can partner on training and solutions development.
Security & Privacy: As AI relies on vast datasets, robust cybersecurity measures and privacy-preserving techniques are paramount. AI itself is being used to bolster cyber defences.
Responsible AI: Ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability is vital for public trust. Cities are establishing governance frameworks, AI registries (like Amsterdam and Helsinki ), and specific GenAI usage policies (e.g., Boston, Seattle, Singapore). UK tech can provide solutions and expertise in ethical AI deployment, aligning with evolving regulations like the EU AI Act.
The road ahead: Collaboration and innovation
Our report outlines key strategies for cities aspiring to AI leadership, including top-down commitment, fostering innovation ecosystems, combining AI with technologies like IoT and Digital Twins, and prioritising security. Success hinges on strong public-private partnerships. UK companies are ideally positioned to collaborate with city authorities, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to co-create solutions, share expertise, and build the necessary digital foundations.
The transformation into AI-powered cities is well underway. For the UK technology sector, this represents a significant opportunity to drive innovation, enhance urban living, boost economic competitiveness, and solidify the UK's position as a global leader in responsible and impactful AI deployment. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the insights from global leaders, the UK can be instrumental in building the smarter, more efficient, and sustainable cities of the future.
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Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
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Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
