UK needs an “industry strategy” to advance AI action, urge tech experts
26 March 2024
Tech UK, a trade group representing the technology sector in the UK, has highlighted the critical need for the next Government to prioritise strategic industrial action to accelerate the adoption of AI.
The recommendation comes as one of seven urgent policies identified by the UK's technology sector.
With the UK general election this year, technology companies are hoping to encourage the future government to create policies that will boost the adoption of digital technology and AI in the UK, particularly updating AI strategy, with a focus that goes beyond regulation and towards delivering AI across industries and the economy.
Antony Walker, Deputy CEO of TechUK, said, "We live with the fundamental issue that AI adoption and uptake is not straightforward. If we want to win the AI race, we need to look at the nuts and bolts of the deployment and adoption process."
The UK has built up a competitive business environment, supported by a strong demand for tech products and services, but the cost-of-living crisis has meant higher energy costs, business taxes and high interest rates are barriers to business growth. These problems are making it harder for small tech companies to remain competitive.
Tech UK's manifesto has called for seven areas for the Government to prioritise, including an updated AI strategy, incentives for capital investment, and the removal of barriers to the digitisation of public services.
The manifesto showcases the need for a strategic approach to AI deployment, including updated regulation and infrastructure development, and calls for measures to support small business expansion.
Sachin Agrawal, UK Managing Director of Zoho Corporation, said: "We firmly support Tech UK's stance in calling for an industrial-style strategy to accelerate the take-up of AI within UK businesses. We feel this could significantly contribute towards the UK's drive to become a technology superpower and a world leader in AI."
"In order to achieve this, we firmly believe it is not only the role of the Government, but of a collaboration between [the] Government, businesses, academics and technology experts. This can also help AI's use remain safe and trusted with the right guardrails in place during implementation and ongoing use."
"AI can transform business tools, improving fraud detection, forecasting and customer data analysis, as a few examples. These not only have the potential to elevate customer experience, but can greatly increase efficiency, aid strategic decision-making and drive further success.
"Despite its potential, the UK lags behind the global powerhouses of the US, China and Singapore according to an international AI league table.
“If the UK manages to accelerate the role of AI in the right way, it has the potential to catalyse business growth, propel the economy, and could significantly elevate its position in the global AI landscape."