Putting AI at the heart of Government’s agenda: UK Government appoints AI expert Matt Clifford to produce AI Opportunities Action Plan and announces new AI Opportunities Unit

Read more about the Government's announcement.

Today, DSIT Secretary Peter Kyle appointed Matt Clifford, a tech entrepreneur and the Chair of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), to develop an AI Opportunities Action Plan, which will aim to increase the adoption of AI technologies. The Government will also establish an AI Opportunities Unit, to implement recommendations from the Action Plan.

The announcement underscores Government’s plans to make AI a central element of its strategy to foster economic growth and enhance public services.

AI Opportunities Action Plan and Establishment of AI Opportunities Unit

The Action Plan will explore strategies for building a scalable and competitive UK AI sector on the global stage. It will also address how best to ensure widespread AI uptake in the public and private sectors, considering the requisite infrastructure, talent, and data access.

The Action Plan will also consider key enablers, including the UK's computing and broader infrastructure needs by 2030. It will explore how this infrastructure can be made accessible to startups and scale-ups, and focus on developing and attracting top AI talent within both the public and private sectors.

Clifford will present a set of recommendations to the Secretary of State in September. DSIT will also establish an AI Opportunities Unit to consolidate expertise and knowledge, ensuring the effective implementation of the recommendations set out in the Action Plan.

Economic Impact and Productivity Gains

The Action Plan is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and stimulating economic growth. The plan’s announcement comes at an important time, and follows the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent estimation that the UK could experience annual productivity gains of up to 1.5% with the increased development and adoption of AI technologies.

Overall, AI is projected to boost UK GDP by up to 10.3% by 2030 and bring huge benefits for UK businesses with better productivity, efficiency and technology. But AI will first be deployed through updates to currently in use business software, meaning if UK companies are behind on basic digital adoption, they will soon be behind on AI adoption as well. Without addressing this gap, our economic growth and international competitiveness are at risk.

You can read the full announcement here.

Usman Ikhlaq

Programme Manager - Artificial Intelligence, techUK

Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.

His role is to help techUK members of all sizes and across all sectors to adopt AI at scale. This includes identifying the barriers to adoption, considering solutions and how best to maximise AI's potential.

Prior to joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, government affairs and public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales and marketing and FinTech.

Usman is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science (MSc), BPP Law School (GDL and LLB) and Queen Mary University of London (BA).

When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/usman-ikhlaq,https://uk.linkedin.com/in/usman-ikhlaq

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Audre Verseckaite

Senior Policy Manager, Data & AI, techUK

Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.

Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techUK.org,www.techUK.org
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audre-v-81b2b0a2/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/audre-v-81b2b0a2/

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Samiah Anderson

Head of Digital Regulation, techUK

Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.

With over six years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.

Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.

She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiahnanderson/

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techUK - Seizing the AI Opportunity

The UK is a global leader in AI innovation, development and adoption. The economic growth and productivity gain that AI can unlock is vast, but to fully harness this transformative opportunity, immediate action is required. techUK and our members are committed to working with the Government to turn the AI Opportunities Action Plan into reality. Our aim is to ensure the UK seizes the opportunities presented by AI technology and continues to be a world leader in AI development.

techUK runs a full calendar of activities including events, reports, and insights to demonstrate some of the most significant AI opportunities for the UK. Our AI Hub is where you will find details of all upcoming activity. We also send a monthly AI newsletter which you can subscribe to here.