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 Economy, techUK

Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Economy at techUK, overseeing the Digital Economy programme, which promotes how the UK digital economy and innovation can drive sustained economic growth.

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,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiahnanderson/

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techUK - Putting AI into Action

techUK’s Putting AI into Action campaign serves as a one stop shop for showcasing the opportunities and benefits of AI adoption across sectors and markets.

During this campaign, techUK will run a regular drumbeat of activity, including events, reports, and insights, to demonstrate some of the most significant opportunities for AI adoption in 2024, as well as working with key stakeholders to identify and address current barriers to adoption.

Visit our AI Adoption Hub to learn more, or find our latest activity below.