The United Kingdom unveiled plans to allocate over £100 million ($125 million) toward the establishment of nine new research hubs in artificial intelligence (AI) and the training of regulators in understanding and managing this transformative technology.
Technology minister Michelle Donelan emphasized the agility of human response to the rapidly evolving AI landscape, stating, "AI is moving fast, but we have shown that humans can move just as fast." The government's approach aims to address risks promptly through sector-specific strategies.
Of the allocated funds, approximately £90 million will be directed to the research hubs, which will concentrate on leveraging AI in crucial domains such as healthcare, chemistry, and mathematics. Additionally, there will be a collaborative effort with the United States to promote responsible AI practices.
A further £10 million will be designated to empower regulators in navigating the risks and opportunities associated with AI. This includes developing practical tools to monitor risks across various sectors, encompassing telecommunications, healthcare, finance, and education.
The UK has been proactive in addressing AI safety concerns, hosting an international summit in November focused on this topic. The gathering resulted in the signing of the "Bletchley Declaration" by over 25 participating countries, signaling a commitment to identifying shared risks and implementing cross-border policies to mitigate them.
