This cutting-edge AI supercomputer stands as the fastest of its kind in the UK today. It marks a groundbreaking fusion of AI and high-performance computing (HPC) technologies, showcasing the potential to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Dawn Phase 1 is the cornerstone of the recently launched UK AI Research Resource (AIRR), demonstrating the nation’s commitment to exploring innovative systems and architectures.

This supercomputer brings the UK closer to achieving the exascale; a computing threshold of a quintillion (10^18) floating point operations per second. To put this into perspective, the processing power of an exascale system equals what every person on Earth would calculate in over four years if they were working non-stop, 24 hours a day.

Operational at the Cambridge Open Zettascale Lab, Dawn utilises Dell PowerEdge XE9640 servers, providing an unparalleled platform for the Intel Data Center GPU Max Series accelerator. This collaboration ensures a diverse ecosystem through oneAPI, fostering an environment of choice.

The system’s capabilities extend across various domains, including healthcare, engineering, green fusion energy, climate modelling, cosmology, and high-energy physics.

Adam Roe, EMEA HPC technical director at Intel, said:

“Dawn considerably strengthens the scientific and AI compute capability available in the UK and it’s on the ground and operational today at the Cambridge Open Zettascale Lab.

Dell PowerEdge XE9640 servers offer a no-compromises platform to host the Intel Data Center GPU Max Series accelerator, which opens up the ecosystem to choice through oneAPI.

I’m very excited to see the sorts of early science this machine can deliver and continue to strengthen the Open Zettascale Lab partnership between Dell Technologies, Intel, and the University of Cambridge, and further broaden that to the UK scientific and AI community.”

Glimpse into the future

Dawn Phase 1 is not just a standalone achievement; it’s part of a broader strategy.

The collaborative endeavour aims to deliver a Phase 2 supercomputer in 2024, promising tenfold performance levels. This progression would propel the UK’s AI capability, strengthening the successful industry partnership.

The supercomputer’s technical foundation lies in Dell PowerEdge XE9640 servers, renowned for their versatile configurations and efficient liquid cooling technology. This innovation ensures optimal handling of AI and HPC workloads, offering a more effective solution than traditional air-cooled systems.

Tariq Hussain, Head of UK Public Sector at Dell, commented:

“Collaborations like the one between the University of Cambridge, Dell Technologies and Intel, alongside strong inward investment, are vital if we want the compute to unlock the high-growth AI potential of the UK. It is paramount that the government invests in the right technologies and infrastructure to ensure the UK leads in AI and exascale-class simulation capability.

It’s also important to embrace the full spectrum of the technology ecosystem, including GPU diversity, to ensure customers can tackle the growing demands of generative AI, industrial simulation modelling and ground-breaking scientific research.”

As the world awaits the full technical details and performance numbers of Dawn Phase 1 – slated for release in mid-November during the Supercomputing 23 (SC23) conference in Denver, Colorado – the UK stands at the precipice of a transformative era in scientific and AI research.

This collaboration between industry giants and academia not only accelerates research discovery but also propels the UK’s knowledge economy to new heights.

(Image Credit: Joe Bishop for Cambridge Open Zettascale Lab)

See also: UK paper highlights AI risks ahead of global Safety Summit

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spoken today on the global responsibility to confront the risks highlighted in the report and harness AI’s potential. Sunak emphasised the need for honest dialogue about the dual nature of AI: offering unprecedented opportunities, while also posing significant dangers.

“AI will bring new knowledge, new opportunities for economic growth, new advances in human capability, and the chance to solve problems we once thought beyond us. But it also brings new dangers and new fears,” said Sunak.

“So, the responsible thing for me to do is to address those fears head-on, giving you the peace of mind that we will keep you safe while making sure you and your children have all the opportunities for a better future that AI can bring.

“Doing the right thing, not the easy thing, means being honest with people about the risks from these technologies.”

The report delves into the rapid advancements of frontier AI, drawing on numerous sources. It highlights the diverse perspectives within scientific, expert, and global communities regarding the risks associated with the swift evolution of AI technology. 

The publication comprises three key sections:

1. Capabilities and risks from frontier AI: This section presents a discussion paper advocating further research into AI risk. It delineates the current state of frontier AI capabilities, potential future improvements, and associated risks, including societal harms, misuse, and loss of control.
2. Safety and security risks of generative AI to 2025: Drawing on intelligence assessments, this report outlines the potential global benefits of generative AI while highlighting the increased safety and security risks. It underscores the enhancement of threat actor capabilities and the effectiveness of attacks due to generative AI development.
3. Future risks of frontier AI: Prepared by the Government Office for Science, this report explores uncertainties in frontier AI development, future system risks, and potential scenarios for AI up to 2030.

The report – based on declassified information from intelligence agencies – focuses on generative AI, the technology underpinning popular chatbots and image generation software. It foresees a future where AI might be exploited by terrorists to plan biological or chemical attacks, raising serious concerns about global security.

Sjuul van der Leeuw, CEO of Deployteq, commented: “It is good to see the government take a serious approach, offering a report ahead of the Safety Summit next week however more must be done.

“An ongoing effort to address AI risks is needed and we hope that the summit brings much-needed clarity, allowing businesses and marketers to enjoy the benefits this emerging piece of technology offers, without the worry of backlash.”

The report highlights that generative AI could be utilised to gather knowledge on physical attacks by non-state violent actors, including creating chemical, biological, and radiological weapons.

Although companies are working to implement safeguards, the report emphasises the varying effectiveness of these measures. Obstacles to obtaining the necessary knowledge, raw materials, and equipment for such attacks are decreasing, with AI potentially accelerating this process.

Additionally, the report warns of the likelihood of AI-driven cyber-attacks becoming faster-paced, more effective, and on a larger scale by 2025. AI could aid hackers in mimicking official language, and overcome previous challenges faced in this area.

However, some experts have questioned the UK Government’s approach.

Rashik Parmar MBE, CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, said: “Over 1,300 technologists and leaders signed our open letter calling AI a force for good rather than an existential threat to humanity.

“AI won’t grow up like The Terminator. If we take the proper steps, it will be a trusted co-pilot from our earliest school days to our retirement.

The AI Safety Summit will aim to foster healthy discussion around how to address frontier AI risks, encompassing misuse by non-state actors for cyberattacks or bioweapon design and concerns related to AI systems acting autonomously contrary to human intentions. Discussions at the summit will also extend to broader societal impacts, such as election disruption, bias, crime, and online safety.

Claire Trachet, CEO of Trachet, commented: “The fast-growing nature of AI has made it difficult for governments to balance creating effective regulation which safeguards the interest of businesses and consumers without stifling investment opportunities. Even though there are some forms of risk management and different reports coming out now, none of them are true coordinated approaches.

“The UK Government’s commitment to AI safety is commendable, but the criticism surrounding the summit serves as a reminder of the importance of a balanced, constructive, and forward-thinking approach to AI regulation.”

If the UK Government’s report is anything to go by, the need for collaboration around proportionate but rigorous measures to manage the risks posed by AI is more imperative than ever.

The global AI Safety Summit is set to take place at the historic Bletchley Park on 1 – 2 November 2023.

(Image Credit: GOV.UK)

See also: BSI: Closing ‘AI confidence gap’ key to unlocking benefits

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The summit will bring together digital ministers, AI companies, civil society representatives, and independent experts for crucial discussions. The primary focus is on frontier AI, the most advanced generation of AI models, which – if not developed responsibly – could pose significant risks.

The event aims to explore both the potential dangers emerging from rapid advances in AI and the transformative opportunities the technology presents, especially in education and international research collaborations.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan will lead the summit and articulate the government’s position that safety and security must be central to AI advancements. The event will feature parallel sessions in the first half of the day, delving into understanding frontier AI risks.

Other topics that will be covered during the AI Safety Summit include threats to national security, potential election disruption, erosion of social trust, and exacerbation of global inequalities.

The latter part of the day will focus on roundtable discussions aimed at enhancing frontier AI safety responsibly. Delegates will explore defining risk thresholds, effective safety assessments, and robust governance mechanisms to enable the safe scaling of frontier AI by developers.

International collaboration will be a key theme, emphasising the need for policymakers, scientists, and researchers to work together in managing risks and harnessing AI’s potential for global economic and social benefits.

The summit will conclude with a panel discussion on the transformative opportunities of AI for the public good, specifically in revolutionising education. Donelan will provide closing remarks and underline the importance of global collaboration in adopting AI safely.

This event aims to mark a positive step towards fostering international cooperation in the responsible development and deployment of AI technology. By convening global experts and policymakers, the UK Government wants to lead the conversation on creating a safe and positive future with AI.

(Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash)

See also: UK races to agree statement on AI risks with global leaders

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This hurried effort comes in anticipation of the UK’s AI Safety Summit scheduled next month at the historic Bletchley Park.

The summit, designed to provide an update on White House-brokered safety guidelines – as well as facilitate a debate on how national security agencies can scrutinise the most dangerous versions of this technology – faces a potential hurdle. It’s unlikely to generate an agreement on establishing a new international organisation to scrutinise cutting-edge AI, apart from its proposed communique.

The proposed AI Safety Institute, a brainchild of the UK government, aims to enable national security-related scrutiny of frontier AI models. However, this ambition might face disappointment if an international consensus is not reached.

Claire Trachet, tech industry expert and CEO of business advisory Trachet, said:

“I think that this marks a very important moment for the UK, especially in terms of recognising that there are other players across Europe also hoping to catch up with the US in the AI space. It’s therefore essential that the UK continues to balance its drive for innovation with creating effective regulation that will not stifle the country’s growth prospects.

While the UK possesses the potential to be a frontrunner in the global tech race, concerted efforts are needed to strengthen the country’s position. By investing in research, securing supply chains, promoting collaboration, and nurturing local talent, the UK can position itself as a prominent player in shaping the future of AI-driven technologies.”

Currently, the UK stands as a key player in the global tech arena, with its AI market valued at over £16.9 billion and expected to soar to £803.7 billion by 2035, according to the US International Trade.

The British government’s commitment is evident through its £1 billion investment in supercomputing and AI research. Moreover, the introduction of seven new AI principles for regulation – focusing on accountability, access, diversity, choice, flexibility, fair dealing, and transparency – showcases the government’s dedication to fostering a robust AI ecosystem.

Despite these efforts, challenges loom as France emerges as a formidable competitor within Europe.

French billionaire Xavier Niel recently announced a €200 million investment in artificial intelligence, including a research lab and supercomputer, aimed at bolstering Europe’s competitiveness in the global AI race.

Niel’s initiative aligns with President Macron’s commitment, who announced €500 million in new funding at VivaTech to create new AI champions. Furthermore, France plans to attract companies through its own AI summit.

Claire Trachet acknowledges the intensifying competition between the UK and France, stating that while the rivalry adds complexity to the UK’s goals, it can also spur innovation within the industry. However, Trachet emphasises the importance of the UK striking a balance between innovation and effective regulation to sustain its growth prospects.

“In my view, if Europe wants to truly make a meaningful impact, they must leverage their collective resources, foster collaboration, and invest in nurturing a robust ecosystem,” adds Trachet.

“This means combining the strengths of the UK, France and Germany, to possibly create a compelling alternative in the next 10-15 years that disrupts the AI landscape, but again, this would require a heavily strategic vision and collaborative approach.”

(Photo by Nick Kane on Unsplash)

See also: Cyber Security & Cloud Expo: The alarming potential of AI-powered cybercrime

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with Digital Transformation Week.

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FMs are versatile AI systems with the potential to revolutionise various sectors, from information access to healthcare. The CMA’s report, published today, outlines a set of guiding principles aimed at safeguarding consumer protection and fostering healthy competition within this burgeoning industry.

Foundation models – known for their adaptability to diverse applications – have witnessed rapid adoption across various user platforms, including familiar names like ChatGPT and Office 365 Copilot. These AI systems possess the power to drive innovation and stimulate economic growth, promising transformative changes across sectors and industries.

Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, emphasised the urgency of proactive intervention in the AI:

“The speed at which AI is becoming part of everyday life for people and businesses is dramatic. There is real potential for this technology to turbocharge productivity and make millions of everyday tasks easier – but we can’t take a positive future for granted.

That’s why we have today proposed these new principles and launched a broad programme of engagement to help ensure the development and use of foundation models evolves in a way that promotes competition and protects consumers.

While I hope that our collaborative approach will help realise the maximum potential of this new technology, we are ready to intervene where necessary.”

Research from Earlybird reveals that Britain houses the largest number of AI startups in Europe. The CMA’s report underscores the immense benefits that can accrue if the development and use of FMs are managed effectively.

These advantages include the emergence of superior products and services, enhanced access to information, breakthroughs in science and healthcare, and even lower prices for consumers. Additionally, a vibrant FM market could open doors for a wider range of businesses to compete successfully, challenging established market leaders. This competition and innovation, in turn, could boost the overall economy, fostering increased productivity and economic growth.

Claire Trachet, tech industry expert and CEO of business advisory Trachet, said:

“With the [UK-hosted] global AI Safety Summit around the corner, the announcement of these principles shows the public and investors that the UK is committed to regulating AI safely. To continue this momentum, it’s important for the UK to strike a balance in creating effective regulation without stifling growing innovation and investment. 

Ensuring that regulation is both well-designed and effective will help attract and maintain investment in the UK by creating a stable, secure, and trustworthy business environment that appeals to domestic and international investors.” 

The CMA’s report also sounds a cautionary note. It highlights the potential risks if competition remains weak or if developers neglect consumer protection regulations. Such lapses could expose individuals and businesses to significant levels of false information and AI-driven fraud. In the long run, a handful of dominant firms might exploit FMs to consolidate market power, offering subpar products or services at exorbitant prices.

While the scope of the CMA’s initial review focused primarily on competition and consumer protection concerns, it acknowledges that other important questions related to FMs, such as copyright, intellectual property, online safety, data protection, and security, warrant further examination.

Sridhar Iyengar, Managing Director of Zoho Europe, commented:

“The safe development of AI has been a central focus of UK policy and will continue to play a significant role in the UK’s ambitions of leading the global AI race. While there is public concern over the trustworthiness of AI, we shouldn’t lose sight of the business benefits that it provides, such as forecasting and improved data analysis, and work towards a solution.

Collaboration between businesses, government, academia and industry experts is crucial to strike a balance between safe regulations and guidance that can lead to the positive development and use of innovative business AI tools.

AI is going to move forward with or without the UK, so it’s best to take the lead on research and development to ensure its safe evolution.”

The proposed guiding principles, unveiled by the CMA, aim to steer the ongoing development and use of FMs, ensuring that people, businesses, and the economy reap the full benefits of innovation and growth. Drawing inspiration from the evolution of other technology markets, these principles seek to guide FM developers and deployers in the following key areas:

• Accountability: Developers and deployers are accountable for the outputs provided to consumers.
• Access: Ensuring ongoing access to essential inputs without unnecessary restrictions.
• Diversity: Encouraging a sustained diversity of business models, including both open and closed approaches.
• Choice: Providing businesses with sufficient choices to determine how to utilize FMs effectively.
• Flexibility: Allowing the flexibility to switch between or use multiple FMs as needed.
• Fairness: Prohibiting anti-competitive conduct, including self-preferencing, tying, or bundling.
• Transparency: Offering consumers and businesses information about the risks and limitations of FM-generated content to enable informed choices.

Over the next few months, the CMA plans to engage extensively with a diverse range of stakeholders both within the UK and internationally to further develop these principles. This collaborative effort aims to support the positive growth of FM markets, fostering effective competition and consumer protection.

Gareth Mills, Partner at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, said:

“The principles themselves are clearly aimed at facilitating a dynamic sector with low entry requirements that allows smaller players to compete effectively with more established names, whilst at the same time mitigating against the potential for AI technologies to have adverse consequences for consumers.

The report itself notes that, although the CMA has established a number of core principles, there is still work to do and that stakeholder feedback – both within the UK and internationally – will be required before a formal policy and regulatory position can be definitively established.

As the utilisation of the technologies grows, the extent to which there is any inconsistency between competition objectives and government strategy will be fleshed out.”

An update on the CMA’s progress and the reception of these principles will be published in early 2024, reflecting the authority’s commitment to shaping AI markets in ways that benefit people, businesses, and the UK economy as a whole.

(Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash)

See also: UK to pitch AI’s potential for international development at UN

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with Digital Transformation Week.

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Now the outlines for the AI Act are known, a debate is beginning to erupt around its possible implications. One camp believes regulations are needed to curb the risks of powerful AI technology, while the other is convinced that regulation will prove pernicious for the European economy. Is it out of the question that safe AI products also bring economic prosperity?

‘Industrial revolution’ without Europe

The EU “prevents the industrial revolution from happening” and portrays itself as “no part of the future world,” Joe Lonsdale told Bloomberg. He regularly appears in the US media around AI topics as an outspoken advocate of the technology. According to him, the technology has the potential to cause a third industrial revolution, and every company should already have implemented it in its organization.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2003. Meanwhile, he co-founded several technology companies, including those that deploy artificial intelligence. He later grew to become a businessman and venture capitalist.

The only question is, are the concerns well-founded? At the very least, caution seems necessary to avoid seeing major AI products disappear from Europe. Sam Altman, a better-known IT figure as CEO of OpenAI, previously spoke out about the possible disappearance of AI companies from Europe if the rules become too hard to apply. He does not plan to pull ChatGPT out of Europe because of the AI law, but he warns here of the possible actions of other companies.

ChatGPT stays

The CEO himself is essentially a strong supporter of security legislation for AI. He advocates for clear security requirements that AI developers must meet before the official release of a new product.

When a major player in the AI field calls for regulation of the technology he is working with, perhaps we as Europe should listen. That is what is happening with the AI Act, through which the EU is trying to be the first in the world to put out a set of rules for artificial intelligence. The EU is a pioneer, but it will also have to discover the pitfalls of a policy in the absence of a working example in the world.

The rules will be continuously tested until they officially come into effect in 2025 by experts who publicly give their opinions on the law. A public testing period which AI developers should also find important, Altman said. The European Union also avoids making up rules from higher up for a field it doesn’t know much about itself. The legislation will come bottom-up by involving companies and developers already actively engaged in AI setting the standards.

Copy off

Although the EU often pronounces that the AI law will be the world’s first regulation of artificial intelligence, other places are tinkering with a legal framework just as much. The United Kingdom, for example, is eager to embrace the technology but also wants certainty about its security. To that end, it immerses itself in the technology and gains early access to DeepMind, OpenAI and Anthropic’s models for research purposes.

However, Britain has no plans to punish companies that do not comply. The country limits itself to a framework of five principles that artificial intelligence should comply with. The choice seems to play to the disadvantage of guaranteed safety of AI products, as the country says it is necessary not to make a mandatory political framework for companies, to attract investment from AI companies in the UK. So secure AI products and economic prosperity do not appear to fit well together according to the country. Wait and see if Europe’s AI law validates that.

(Editor’s note: This article first appeared on Techzine)

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The vision was set out by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and calls upon international partners to collaborate and coordinate their efforts in harnessing AI for development in Africa and making progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

As part of its efforts, the UK is launching the ‘AI for Development’ programme in partnership with Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The primary focus of this initiative is to assist developing countries, primarily in Africa, in building local AI capabilities and fostering innovation.

The announcement coincides with the UK’s co-convening of an event on AI during the margins of the UN General Assembly. This high-level session – chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken – will assemble governments, tech companies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to explore how AI can expedite progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals aim to create a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous world by 2030.

In parallel with these efforts, the UK is committing £1 million in investment towards a pioneering fund known as the Complex Risk Analytics Fund (‘CRAF’d’). This fund, in collaboration with international partners, will harness the power of AI to prevent crises before they occur. Additionally, it will provide assistance during emergencies and support countries in their recovery towards sustainable development.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

“The opportunity of AI is immense. It has already been shown to speed up drug discovery, help develop new treatments for common diseases, and predict food insecurity—to name only a few uses.

The UK, alongside our allies and partners, is making sure that the fulfilment of this enormous potential is shared globally.

As AI continues to rapidly evolve, we need a global approach that seizes the opportunities that AI can bring to solving humanity’s shared challenges. The UK-hosted AI summit this November will be key to helping us achieve this.”

Julie Delahanty, President of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration between IDRC and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

“IDRC is pleased to announce a new collaboration with FCDO, a key ally in tackling the most pressing development challenges,” said Delahanty.

“The AI for Development program will build on existing partnerships, leveraging AI’s capacity to reduce inequalities, address poverty, improve food systems, confront the challenges of climate change and make education more inclusive, while also mitigating risks.”

This announcement underscores the broader commitment of the UK to employ AI innovation to tackle global challenges, including the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In a separate event, scheduled for 1-2 November 2023, the UK will host the world’s first major AI Safety Summit at the historic Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. This summit aims to garner international consensus on the urgent need for safety measures in cutting-edge AI technology.

See also: White House secures safety commitments from eight more AI companies

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The Global AI Ecosystem platform is developed with support from AI Industry Analytics (AiiA) and Deep Knowledge Group. Designed as a universally accessible space for community interaction, collaboration, content sharing, and knowledge exchange, it has become a vital hub for AI enthusiasts and professionals.

AiiA, in its Global AI Economy Size Assessment report, conducted groundbreaking research showcasing the rapid expansion of the UK’s AI industry.

With over 8,900 companies operating in the sector, the UK AI economy’s valuation of £1.36 trillion underscores its substantial contribution to the national GDP. Approximately 4,100 investment funds are dedicated to AI, with 600 of them based in the UK.

A robust workforce of 500,000 UK-based AI specialists is driving innovation, solidifying the nation’s position in the global AI landscape. This skilled workforce not only bolsters GDP growth but also acts as a safety net against unemployment.

The UK government’s active prioritisation of its national AI agenda is a significant factor in this remarkable growth. Last month, UK Deputy PM Oliver Dowden called AI the most ‘extensive’ industrial revolution yet.

With 280 ongoing projects harnessing AI technology, the UK’s commitment to AI is clear. AI is a major pillar of the country’s national industrial strategy, making the UK one of the most proactive nations in shaping its AI future.

Dmitry Kaminskiy, Founder of AI Industry Analytics (AiiA) and General Partner of Deep Knowledge Group, said:

“Despite an economic downturn and other challenges, the UK stands as an undoubtable, dynamic, and proactive leader in the global AI arena, having surpassed £1.3 trillion in 2023 and projected to reach £2.4 trillion by 2027.

There is no question that AI is poised to be the major driver for economic growth, fuelling the further development of the entire UK DeepTech industry, and creating a cumulative, systemic, positive impact on the full scope of the nation’s integral infrastructure.”

Key cities like London, Cambridge, Manchester, and Edinburgh have emerged as leading AI hubs, fostering collaboration and providing access to essential resources. With nearly 5,000 AI companies in London alone, it competes with entire countries on the global AI stage and solidifies its European leadership status.

AiiA’s estimation of the UK AI economy size used AI algorithms to map the global AI industry, profiling 50,000 companies, 20,000 investors, 2,000 AI leaders, and 2,500 R&D hubs. Building upon previous reports, it conducted the most comprehensive assessment of the Global AI Economy to date, projecting a global AI economy exceeding £27.2 trillion ($34 trillion) by 2027.

The UK’s position as a hub for science, R&D, DeepTech, and AI governance places it in good stead for leveraging AI as a core engine of technological progress and driving economic growth.

(Image Credit: Global AI Ecosystem)

See also: UK government outlines AI Safety Summit plans

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The major event – set to be held at Bletchley Park, home of Alan Turing and other Allied codebreakers during the Second World War – aims to address the pressing challenges and opportunities presented by AI development on both national and international scales.

Secretary of State Michelle Donelan has officially launched the formal engagement process leading up to the summit. Jonathan Black and Matt Clifford – serving as the Prime Minister’s representatives for the AI Safety Summit – have also initiated discussions with various countries and frontier AI organisations.

This marks a crucial step towards fostering collaboration in the field of AI safety and follows a recent roundtable discussion hosted by Secretary Donelan, which involved representatives from a diverse range of civil society groups.

The AI Safety Summit will serve as a pivotal platform, bringing together not only influential nations but also leading technology organisations, academia, and civil society. Its primary objective is to facilitate informed discussions that can lead to sensible regulations in the AI landscape.

One of the core focuses of the summit will be on identifying and mitigating risks associated with the most powerful AI systems. These risks include the potential misuse of AI for activities such as undermining biosecurity through the proliferation of sensitive information. 

Additionally, the summit aims to explore how AI can be harnessed for the greater good, encompassing domains like life-saving medical technology and safer transportation.

The UK government claims to recognise the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the discussions surrounding AI and says that it’s committed to working closely with global partners to ensure that it remains safe and that its benefits can be harnessed worldwide.

As part of this iterative and consultative process, the UK has shared five key objectives that will guide the discussions at the summit:

1. Developing a shared understanding of the risks posed by AI and the necessity for immediate action.
2. Establishing a forward process for international collaboration on AI safety, including supporting national and international frameworks.
3. Determining appropriate measures for individual organisations to enhance AI safety.
4. Identifying areas for potential collaboration in AI safety research, such as evaluating model capabilities and establishing new standards for governance.
5. Demonstrating how the safe development of AI can lead to global benefits.

The growth potential of AI investment, deployment, and capabilities is staggering, with projections of up to $7 trillion in growth over the next decade and accelerated drug discovery. A report by Google in July suggests that, by 2030, AI could boost the UK economy alone by £400 billion—leading to an annual growth rate of 2.6 percent.

However, these opportunities come with significant risks that transcend national borders. Addressing these risks is now a matter of utmost urgency.

Earlier this month, DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman called on the US to enforce AI standards. However, Suleyman is far from the only leading industry figure who has expressed concerns and called for measures to manage the risks of AI.

In an open letter in March, over 1,000 experts infamously called for a halt on “out of control” AI development over the “profound risks to society and humanity”.

Multiple stakeholders – including individual countries, international organisations, businesses, academia, and civil society – are already engaged in AI-related work. This includes efforts at the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), the Council of Europe, G7, G20, and standard development organisations.

The AI Safety Summit will build upon these existing initiatives by formulating practical next steps to mitigate risks associated with AI. These steps will encompass discussions on implementing risk-mitigation measures at relevant organisations, identifying key areas for international collaboration, and creating a roadmap for long-term action.

If successful, the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park promises to be a milestone event in the global dialogue on AI safety—seeking to strike a balance between harnessing the potential of AI for the benefit of humanity and addressing the challenges it presents.

(Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash)

See also: UK Deputy PM: AI is the most ‘extensive’ industrial revolution yet

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Held between 15-18 August, the four-day event served as a dynamic platform to spotlight the country’s AI prowess and strengthen the growing partnership between the UK and Thailand.

The week kicked off with a high-level policy roundtable on 15th August at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, where esteemed experts and policymakers from both nations gathered. 

Distinguished representatives included experts from the Alan Turing Institute, Institute of Analytics, Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence, and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.

Roundtable discussions delved into critical topics such as AI regulation and governance, investment strategies, the potential impact of AI across various sectors, and its role as a force for positive change.

Following the policy roundtable, an AI Week reception was held at the Ambassador’s Residence. The event, attended by UK experts, Thai government officials, and multilateral organisations like UNESCO, provided an opportunity to unveil the UK’s AI strategy and facilitate the establishment of new relationships between stakeholders.

A highlight of the week was the participation of nine British AI and data businesses in the GREAT Pavilion at the TechSauce Global Summit, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from August 16 to 17.

The summit drew over 15,000 tech experts, investors, and businesses, and showcased the diverse commercial capabilities of UK enterprises in sectors spanning agriculture, finance, climate, design, and cybersecurity.

Attendees had the chance to engage in workshops led by UK experts, covering AI applications in health, public services, and national AI strategy development. British businesses and experts also contributed to discussions on topics like climate tech, femtech, and air quality, and presented their innovations to local venture capitalists.

Natalie Black, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, expressed enthusiasm about the event, saying, “With over 160 unicorns and a tech sector worth $1 trillion, the UK looks forward to offering our expertise and partnership in developing AI for good. I am excited to see deepening tech collaborations between our two countries.”

The week’s activities concluded with the ‘Turing Night’ event on 18th August at Icon Siam. The event, attended by over 150 government officials, tech businesses, and investors, featured an exhibition, networking reception, panel discussion on AI, and a screening of the film ‘The Imitation Game’.

David Thomas, British Charge d’Affaires to Thailand, remarked, “UK AI Week epitomises the modern spirit of collaboration between the UK and Thailand, fostering innovation and advancing free and ethical AI development.”

The success of the UK AI Week in Bangkok underscores the UK’s dedication to technological advancement and international collaboration in shaping the future of AI for the betterment of society.

Solidifying its global AI leadership, the UK will hold a ‘Safety Summit’ in November. The event will be held at Bletchley Park, home to the infamous codebreakers of World War Two —including, of course, Alan Turing.

The UK Government also announced a £100 million fund last week that will be used to bolster the production of homegrown AI chips.

The UK is home to a handful of relevant established companies like Arm – in addition to promising startups like Graphcore – but most firms operating in the country are US-based. The government hopes the fund will help to boost the UK’s position in AI hardware production although experts have expressed concern the pot is far too low in comparison to peers.

(Photo by Braden Jarvis on Unsplash)

See also: UK Deputy PM: AI is the most ‘extensive’ industrial revolution yet

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