Britain announced on Tuesday a significant investment of more than 100 million pounds ($125 million) to establish nine new research hubs in artificial intelligence (AI) and to provide training for regulators in understanding and overseeing the technology.
Michelle Donelan, the technology minister, emphasized the importance of keeping pace with the rapid advancements in AI. She stated, “AI is moving fast, but we have shown that humans can move just as fast.” Donelan highlighted the government’s commitment to an agile, sector-specific approach aimed at promptly addressing potential risks associated with AI.
The majority of the funding, approximately 90 million pounds, will be allocated to establish research hubs focused on various applications of AI, including healthcare, chemistry, mathematics, and a collaboration with the United States to promote responsible AI practices.
Additionally, 10 million pounds will be directed towards training regulators to effectively manage the risks and opportunities posed by AI. This initiative aims to equip regulators with practical tools to monitor potential risks across sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, finance, and education.
The UK recently hosted an international summit in November dedicated to AI safety. During the summit, over 25 countries signed the “Bletchley Declaration,” which aims to identify shared risks associated with AI and develop coordinated cross-country policies to address and mitigate these risks.
The investment underscores Britain’s commitment to fostering innovation and responsible deployment of AI technologies while proactively addressing regulatory challenges. With AI poised to revolutionize various industries, initiatives like these are crucial in ensuring that AI is developed and deployed ethically and securely for the benefit of society.