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- The UK's big bet on AI
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Midweek Mindstream is back!
People are debating whether the UK's AI investment is smart or crazy.
Whispers “We think it’s the latter”
Also, AI is awesome for business, but we need the right people to make it work!
AND! If you have a podcast or want to launch one, we have the AI tool for you!
Read time: 6 minutes
UK
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is gearing up for a tech transformation pouring over £100M into AI research and regulation.
Here’s the lowdown
Almost £90M is earmarked for launching nine new research hubs at universities across the UK.
Not to mention that they’re planning a partnership with the US to make sure AI is used responsibly.
The plan includes £10 million for regulators and another £19 million on 21 projects to amplify machine-learning tech.
Talk about productivity gains!
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan, is contended about the UK leading the way in safe AI.
She says that the UK is on track to be one of the first countries to reap the benefits of AI without the risks.
While the UK isn't rushing to regulate AI, they're eyeing up advanced general-purpose AI models.
Sunak's also signing a partnership with France to tackle cyber threats.
They're hosting a conference in London to discuss dealing with sneaky hackers and malicious cyber tools.
The opposition, the Labour Party, isn't sleeping on AI either.
They're putting AI and tech in the spotlight as a major issue before the next general election - which will take place in the later half of 2024.
Peter Kyle, the Shadow Tech Secretary, is even heading to DC to have discussions with major players like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
The UK continues its scheme to become world leaders in AI.
Our View:
The UK is doing a good job of positioning itself as a key AI leader, particularly with Brexit allowing more friendly AI regulation than the rest of Europe.
Is the UK going to be the AI Silicon Valley? |
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AI SKILLS
Over 60% of businesses are buzzing about AI, ranking it as the top tech for the future.
A new study by Viva Technology and Wavestone found that integrating AI is vital for business competitiveness, with 95% of surveyed companies agreeing.
But companies are worried about their ability to do that.
The problem…
It's not money but talent that's holding them back.
Nearly half worry about lacking the skills for digital transformations.
According to Amazon Web Services (AWS), AI adoption could supercharge Europe's economy by €600 billion.
But here's the catch: small to medium-sized businesses face hurdles like finding the right talent, dealing with regulations, and footing the implementation bill.
Businesses also want to be responsible AI users, with 77% prioritising privacy and ethics.
They're looking to governments for a level playing field and clear rules.
Interestingly, while AI steals the spotlight, another tech like blockchain takes a back seat.
But AI might just give blockchain a second wind.
With AI's ability to generate endless content, blockchain could step in to verify what's real and what's not. Could it be the solution for verifying what is real and what is AI?
Is this the shot in the arm that the crypto world needed? (But please, no more NFTs)
Our View:
AI upskilling is coming to every workplace sooner rather than later. Get those AI skills on your CV / resume now!
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