E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N

he UK Government

AI is already enhancing healthcare by improving diagnoses and patient care , while new measures aim to revolutionise public services , including streamlining planning processes and reducing administrative burdens for teachers .

Backing AI is projected to boost productivity by up to 1.5 % annually , potentially adding £ 47 billion to the UK economy each year . The plan introduces AI Growth Zones to fast-track planning and infrastructure , positioning the UK as a global leader in AI-driven innovation and economic growth .

It comes as three major tech companies – Vantage Data Centres , Nscale and Kyndryl – have committed to £ 14 billion investment in the UK for data centre projects to build the AI infrastructure the UK needs to harness the potential of this technology and deliver 13,250 jobs across the country .

The plan outlines the creation of AI Growth Zones to promote data centre development and includes a commitment to building a new supercomputer to enhance the UK ’ s computing capabilities .

The UK Prime Minister , Keir Starmer , said : “ Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country . From teachers personalising lessons , to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping , to speeding up planning applications , it has the potential to transform the lives of working people .

“ But the AI industry needs a government that is on their side , one that won ’ t sit back and let opportunities slip through its fingers . And in a world of fierce competition , we cannot stand by . We must move fast and take action to win the global race .

“ Our plan will make Britain the world leader . It will give the industry the foundation it needs and will turbocharge the Plan for Change . That means more jobs and investment in the UK , more money in people ’ s pockets , and transformed public services .”

Mike Beck , Global Chief Information Security Officer at Darktrace , said : “ The ambitious and wide-ranging recommendations in the AI Opportunities Action Plan have the potential to turn AI into an engine for the UK economy .

“ As a home-grown AI company , we know that the UK has world-class research talent , brilliant institutions and a strong tech ecosystem . Governments can and should move at a faster pace to help realise the benefits of rapid technological change , and we look forward to the government swiftly implementing this plan . This will help to turn AI from abstract opportunity to real-world benefit in offices and shop floors across the country .”

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