The Labour Party has revealed that it plans to launch an AI strategy to strengthen its technology policies ahead of the next general election.
In a meeting this week, Peter Kyle, Labour’s shadow science, innovation and technology secretary, revealed the AI strategy would be launched within the next two weeks.
He said, “We are formulating a government plan that will harness your innovation, insight, and drive into the economy.
“If it is out there in the private sector creating wealth and jobs for our country, then we want to make sure that you have the economy that fully capitalises it and that you don’t have to go abroad to get the skills you need to upscale.”
The importance of a national AI strategy
AI is a transformational technology that will have a profound impact on the way businesses operate and turbocharge the UK economy.
The UK is a global superpower in AI and is well-placed to lead the world over the next decade as a genuine research and innovation powerhouse, a hive of global talent and a progressive regulatory and business environment.
However, it is crucial to have a responsible AI strategy in place to ensure it remains this way. A national strategy can contribute to the industry’s success and recognise the power of AI to increase resilience, productivity, growth, and innovation across the private and public sectors.
Libero Raspa, director of IT consultancy adesso UK, explained: “AI is a truly transformational technology that will have a profound impact on the way businesses operate and turbocharge the UK economy.
“It’s critical that policymakers have a clear action plan in place to ensure it is deployed both ethically and responsibly.”
Addressing the tech skills shortage
Despite shortages being a challenge across all industries, the public sector experiences the most pronounced gap in AI skills.
Research carried out by Salesforce this year detailed that just 30% of professionals feel they are proficient in implementing AI within their organisations, hindering the advancement of frontline citizen services throughout the public sector.
With an AI strategy at the top of the political agenda, collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and academic institutions can ensure the UK is training the next generation of AI talent and spreading skills across existing workforces.
“It’s encouraging to see AI at the top of the political agenda, particularly with the UK’s skills shortage leaving businesses struggling to recruit the highly skilled staff they need to reap the full benefits of the technology,” concluded Derek Mackenzie, CEO of Investigo.
