UK is planning to develop its National AI Strategy by following the Council

A PwC report revealed that AI could transform the GDP of the UK up to 10.3% higher in 2030. The UK has been progressing towards the development of an AI strategy to guide the journey of digital transformation. The United Kingdom is a leader in promoting artificial intelligence startups. Further recent press reports stated how the state is planning to implement autonomous robots for pothole repairing and is anticipating opening a National Robotarium in 2022.

The continuous effort towards improving its National AI strategy has made it one of the pioneers in AI and digital transformation. According to The Global AI Index, the UK acquired the third position in ranking among 50 countries, which is great. However, the research revealed that the UK is lacking in generating academic potential and the nation is lagging behind with a very less number of AI patents.

The UK Government recently announced that it is going to adhere to the Advisory Council's recommendations to transform the National AI strategy in 2021.

A Reference to the National AI Strategy

AI strategy in the UK took shape in 2018 when a select committee on artificial intelligence chaired by Lord Clement Jones published a report titled, 'AI in the UK: ready, willing, and able?'. The UK also introduced several policies that had guidelines for the development and use of AI in the public sector. In 2018, the Government came up with an AI Sector Deal that explained the Nation's AI strategy, which was updated in 2019. This strategy report was based on five key policies-

• Ideas: the world's most innovative economy
• People: good jobs and greater earning power for all
• Infrastructure: a major upgrade to the UK's infrastructure
• Business environment: the best place to start and grow a business
• Places: prosperous communities across the UK

It is very evident how AI in business will boost growth and productivity. The digital transformation strategy followed by the UK has positively impacted the enhancement of its economy. The government has released several policies and guidelines on par with the ethical use of AI, inclusive and diverse training on AI, use of AI without compromising the privacy of the citizens, and guidelines on AI governance.

AI Roadmap: Defining the Journey of AI in the UK

The AI Council on January 6, 2020, released the 'AI Roadmap', highlighting a strategy to follow for better technological developments in the country and the report lays focus on 16 recommendations under four major pillars-

• Research, Development, and Innovation
• Skills and Diversity
• Data, Infrastructure, and Public Trust
• National, Cross-sector Adoption

According to the UK Government report, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwartng said, "Through this strategy, we will nurture our AI pioneers to accelerate bringing new technologies to market, unlock high-skilled jobs, drive up productivity and cement the UK's status as a global science superpower."

Building the R&D sector to enhance innovations, cementing the Alan Turing Institute as a National Institute by providing long-term public funding, focusing on AI skill-building through inclusion, and ensuring that the public can rely on AI is the gist of the recommendations.

The UK government is looking forward to positioning its strategy for attaining AI-led economic growth by boosting R&D and investing in innovations considering the advice from the Council. This will be a redefining step for the country to enable its growth in artificial intelligence and empowering researchers with better support.