So, what’s the big deal about E-Beam lithography? Imagine trying to draw incredibly complex patterns, but thousands of times smaller than a human hair. That’s essentially what this technology does, using a focused beam of tiny electrons.

Such precision is vital for designing the microscopic components inside the chips that run everything from our smartphones and gaming consoles to life-saving medical scanners and advanced defence systems.

Semiconductors are already big business for the UK, adding around £10 billion to its economy each year. And that figure is only expected to climb, potentially hitting £17 billion by the end of the decade.

Nurturing this sector is a major opportunity for the UK—not just for bragging rights in advanced manufacturing, but for creating high-value jobs and driving real economic growth.

Speaking at the launch of the facility in Southampton, Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance said: “Britain is home to some of the most exciting semiconductor research anywhere in the world—and Southampton’s new E-Beam facility is a major boost to our national capabilities.

“By investing in both infrastructure and talent, we’re giving our researchers and innovators the support they need to develop next-generation chips right here in the UK.”

Lord Vallance’s visit wasn’t just a photo opportunity, though. It came alongside some sobering news: fresh research published today highlights that one of the biggest hurdles facing the UK’s growing chip industry is finding enough people with the right skills.

We’re talking about a serious talent crunch. When you consider that a single person working in semiconductors contributes an average of £460,000 to the economy each year, you can see why plugging this skills gap is so critical.

So, what’s the plan? The government isn’t just acknowledging the problem; they’re putting money where their mouth is with a £4.75 million semiconductor skills package. The idea is to build up that talent pipeline, making sure universities like Southampton – already powerhouses of chip innovation – have resources like the E-Beam lab and the students they need.

“Our £4.75 million skills package will support our Plan for Change by helping more young people into high-value semiconductors careers, closing skills gaps and backing growth in this critical sector,” Lord Vallance explained.

Here’s where that cash is going:

• Getting students hooked (£3 million): Fancy £5,000 towards your degree? 300 students starting Electronics and Electrical Engineering courses this year will get just that, along with specific learning modules to show them what a career in semiconductors actually involves, particularly in chip design and making the things.
• Practical chip skills (£1.2 million): It’s one thing learning the theory, another designing a real chip. This pot will fund new hands-on chip design courses for students (undergrad and postgrad) and even train up lecturers. They’re also looking into creating conversion courses to tempt talented people from other fields into the chip world.
• Inspiring the next generation (Nearly £550,000): To really build a long-term pipeline, you need to capture interest early. This funding aims to give 7,000 teenagers (15-18) and 450 teachers some real, hands-on experience with semiconductors, working with local companies in existing UK chip hotspots like Newport, Cambridge, and Glasgow. The goal is to show young people the cool career paths available right on their doorstep.

Ultimately, the hope is that this targeted support will give the UK semiconductor scene the skilled workforce it needs to thrive. It’s about encouraging more students to jump into these valuable careers, helping companies find the people they desperately need, and making sure the UK stays at the forefront of the technologies that will shape tomorrow’s economy.

Professor Graham Reed, who heads up the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at Southampton University, commented: “The introduction of the new E-Beam facility will reinforce our position of hosting the most advanced cleanroom in UK academia.

“It facilitates a vast array of innovative and industrially relevant research, and much needed semiconductor skills training.”

Putting world-class tools in the hands of researchers while simultaneously investing in the people who will use them will help to cement the UK’s leadership in semiconductors.

See also: AI in education: Balancing promises and pitfalls

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

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The inaugural meeting of the council will see members agree on its core objectives, with a central focus on how the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower can support its commitment to advancing AI and compute infrastructure.

Unveiled earlier this year as part of the government’s response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the council will serve as a crucial platform for bringing together expert insights on the significant energy demands associated with the AI sector.

Concerns surrounding the substantial energy requirements of AI data centres are a global challenge. The UK is proactively addressing this issue through initiatives like the establishment of new AI Growth Zones.

These zones are dedicated hubs for AI development that are strategically located in areas with access to at least 500MW of power—an amount equivalent to powering approximately two million homes. This approach is designed to attract private investment from companies looking to establish operations in Britain, ultimately generating local jobs and boosting the economy.

Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, said: “The work of the AI Energy Council will ensure we aren’t just powering our AI needs to deliver new waves of opportunity in all parts of the country, but can do so in a way which is responsible and sustainable.

“This requires a broad range of expertise from industry and regulators as we fire up the UK’s economic engine to make it fit for the age of AI—meaning we can deliver the growth which is the beating heart of our Plan for Change.”

The Council is also expected to delve into the role of clean energy sources, including renewables and nuclear, in powering the AI revolution.

A key aspect of its work will involve advising on how to improve energy efficiency and sustainability within AI and data centre infrastructure, with specific considerations for resource usage such as water. Furthermore, the council will take proactive steps to ensure the secure adoption of AI across the UK’s critical energy network itself.

Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, commented: “We are making the UK a clean energy superpower, building the homegrown energy this country needs to protect consumers and businesses, and drive economic growth, as part of our Plan for Change.

“AI can play an important role in building a new era of clean electricity for our country and as we unlock AI’s potential, this Council will help secure a sustainable scale up to benefit businesses and communities across the UK.”

In a parallel effort to facilitate the growth of the AI sector, the UK government has been working closely with energy regulator Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to implement fundamental reforms to the UK’s connections process.

Subject to final sign-offs from Ofgem, these reforms could potentially unlock more than 400GW of capacity from the connection queue. This acceleration of projects is deemed vital for economic growth, particularly for the delivery of new large-scale AI data centres that require significant power infrastructure.

The newly-formed AI Energy Council comprises representatives from 14 key organisations across the energy and technology sectors, including regulators and leading companies. These members will contribute their expert insights to support the council’s work and ensure a collaborative approach to addressing the energy challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

Among the prominent organisations joining the council are EDF, Scottish Power, National Grid, technology giants Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and chip designer ARM, as well as infrastructure investment firm Brookfield.

This collaborative framework, uniting the energy and technology sectors, aims to ensure seamless coordination in speeding up the connection of energy projects to the national grid. This is particularly crucial given the increasing number of technology companies announcing plans to build data centres across the UK.

Alison Kay, VP for UK and Ireland at AWS, said: “At Amazon, we’re working to meet the future energy needs of our customers, while remaining committed to powering our operations in a more sustainable way, and progressing toward our Climate Pledge commitment to become net-zero carbon by 2040.

“As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy for the fifth year in a row, we share the government’s goal to ensure the UK has sufficient access to carbon-free energy to support its AI ambitions and to help drive economic growth.”

Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, added: “AI will play an increasingly important role in transforming our energy system to be cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective for consumers, but only if used in a fair, secure, sustainable, and safe way.

“Working alongside other members of this Council, Ofgem will ensure AI implementation puts consumer interests first – from customer service to infrastructure planning and operation – so that everyone feels the benefits of this technological innovation in energy.”

This initiative aligns with the government’s Clean Power Action Plan, which focuses on connecting more homegrown clean power to the grid by building essential infrastructure and prioritising projects needed for 2030. The aim is to clear the grid connection queue, enabling crucial infrastructure projects – from housing to gigafactories and data centres – to gain access to the grid, thereby unlocking billions in investment and fostering economic growth.

Furthermore, the government is streamlining planning approvals to significantly reduce the time it takes for infrastructure projects to get off the ground. This accelerated process will ensure that AI innovators can readily access cutting-edge infrastructure and the necessary power to drive forward the next wave of AI advancements.

(Photo by Vlad Hilitanu)

See also: Tony Blair Institute AI copyright report sparks backlash

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.
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According to the report, titled ‘Rebooting Copyright: How the UK Can Be a Global Leader in the Arts and AI,’ the global race for cultural and technological leadership is still up for grabs, and the UK has a golden opportunity to take the lead.

The report emphasises that countries that “embrace change and harness the power of artificial intelligence in creative ways will set the technical, aesthetic, and regulatory standards for others to follow.”

Highlighting that we are in the midst of another revolution in media and communication, the report notes that AI is disrupting how textual, visual, and auditive content is created, distributed, and experienced, much like the printing press, gramophone, and camera did before it.

“AI will usher in a new era of interactive and bespoke works, as well as a counter-revolution that celebrates everything that AI can never be,” the report states.

However, far from signalling the end of human creativity, the TBI suggests AI will open up “new ways of being original.”

The AI revolution’s impact isn’t limited to the creative industries; it’s being felt across all areas of society. Scientists are using AI to accelerate discoveries, healthcare providers are employing it to analyse X-ray images, and emergency services utilise it to locate houses damaged by earthquakes.

The report stresses that these cross-industry advancements are just the beginning, with future AI systems set to become increasingly capable, fuelled by advancements in computing power, data, model architectures, and access to talent.

The UK government has expressed its ambition to be a global leader in AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 13 January 2025. For its part, the TBI welcomes the UK government’s ambition, stating that “if properly designed and deployed, AI can make human lives healthier, safer, and more prosperous.”

However, the rapid spread of AI across sectors raises urgent policy questions, particularly concerning the data used for AI training. The application of UK copyright law to the training of AI models is currently contested, with the debate often framed as a “zero-sum game” between AI developers and rights holders. The TBI argues that this framing “misrepresents the nature of the challenge and the opportunity before us.”

The report emphasises that “bold policy solutions are needed to provide all parties with legal clarity and unlock investments that spur innovation, job creation, and economic growth.”

According to the TBI, AI presents opportunities for creators—noting its use in various fields from podcasts to filmmaking. The report draws parallels with past technological innovations – such as the printing press and the internet – which were initially met with resistance, but ultimately led to societal adaptation and human ingenuity prevailing.

The TBI proposes that the solution lies not in clinging to outdated copyright laws but in allowing them to “co-evolve with technological change” to remain effective in the age of AI.

The UK government has proposed a text and data mining exception with an opt-out option for rights holders. While the TBI views this as a good starting point for balancing stakeholder interests, it acknowledges the “significant implementation and enforcement challenges” that come with it, spanning legal, technical, and geopolitical dimensions.

In the report, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change “assesses the merits of the UK government’s proposal and outlines a holistic policy framework to make it work in practice.”

The report includes recommendations and examines novel forms of art that will emerge from AI. It also delves into the disagreement between rights holders and developers on copyright, the wider implications of copyright policy, and the serious hurdles the UK’s text and data mining proposal faces.

Furthermore, the Tony Blair Institute explores the challenges of governing an opt-out policy, implementation problems with opt-outs, making opt-outs useful and accessible, and tackling the diffusion problem. AI summaries and the problems they present regarding identity are also addressed, along with defensive tools as a partial solution and solving licensing problems.

The report also seeks to clarify the standards on human creativity, address digital watermarking, and discuss the uncertainty around the impact of generative AI on the industry. It proposes establishing a Centre for AI and the Creative Industries and discusses the risk of judicial review, the benefits of a remuneration scheme, and the advantages of a targeted levy on ISPs to raise funding for the Centre.

However, the report has faced strong criticism. Ed Newton-Rex, CEO of Fairly Trained, raised several concerns on Bluesky. These concerns include:

• The report repeats the “misleading claim” that existing UK copyright law is uncertain, which Newton-Rex asserts is not the case.
• The suggestion that an opt-out scheme would give rights holders more control over how their works are used is misleading. Newton-Rex argues that licensing is currently required by law, so moving to an opt-out system would actually decrease control, as some rights holders will inevitably miss the opt-out.
• The report likens machine learning (ML) training to human learning, a comparison that Newton-Rex finds shocking, given the vastly different scalability of the two.
• The report’s claim that AI developers won’t make long-term profits from training on people’s work is questioned, with Newton-Rex pointing to the significant funding raised by companies like OpenAI.
• Newton-Rex suggests the report uses strawman arguments, such as stating that generative AI may not replace all human paid activities.
• A key criticism is that the report omits data showing how generative AI replaces demand for human creative labour.
• Newton-Rex also criticises the report’s proposed solutions, specifically the suggestion to set up an academic centre, which he notes “no one has asked for.”
• Furthermore, he highlights the proposal to tax every household in the UK to fund this academic centre, arguing that this would place the financial burden on consumers rather than the AI companies themselves, and the revenue wouldn’t even go to creators.

Adding to these criticisms, British novelist and author Jonathan Coe noted that “the five co-authors of this report on copyright, AI, and the arts are all from the science and technology sectors. Not one artist or creator among them.”

While the report from Tony Blair Institute for Global Change supports the government’s ambition to be an AI leader, it also raises critical policy questions—particularly around copyright law and AI training data.

(Photo by Jez Timms)

See also: Amazon Nova Act: A step towards smarter, web-native AI agents

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

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As the UK government prioritises AI within its “Plan for Change,” Kyle’s visit aims to strengthen the special relationship between the UK and the US that has been under particular strain in recent years.

Speaking at NVIDIA’s annual conference in San Jose on 20th March, Kyle outlined the government’s strategy to “rewire” the British economy around AI. This initiative seeks to distribute the benefits of AI-driven wealth creation beyond traditional hubs like Silicon Valley and London, empowering communities across the UK to embrace its opportunities.

Addressing an audience of business leaders, developers, and innovators, the Technology Secretary articulated his vision for leveraging AI and advanced technologies to tackle complex global challenges, positioning Britain as a beacon of innovation.

The UK is actively deploying AI to enhance public services and stimulate economic growth, a cornerstone of the government’s “Plan for Change.”

Kyle is now highlighting the significant potential of the UK’s AI sector, currently valued at over $92 billion and projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2035. This growth trajectory, according to the government, will position Britain as the second-leading AI nation in the democratic world—presenting a wealth of investment opportunities for US companies and financial institutions.

A central theme of Kyle’s message is the readiness of the UK to embrace AI investment, with a particular emphasis on transforming “the relics of economic eras past into the UK’s innovative AI Growth Zones.”

These “AI Growth Zones” are a key element of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. They are strategically designated areas designed to rapidly attract large-scale AI investment through streamlined regulations and dedicated infrastructure.

AI Growth Zones, as the name suggests, are envisioned as vibrant hubs for AI development with a pipeline of new opportunities for companies to scale up and innovate. The Technology Secretary is actively encouraging investors to participate in this new form of partnership.

During his speech at the NVIDIA conference, Kyle is expected to detail how these Growth Zones – benefiting from access to substantial power connections and a planning system designed to expedite construction – will facilitate the development of a compute infrastructure on a scale that the UK “has never seen before.”

The government has already received numerous proposals from local leaders and industry stakeholders across the nation, demonstrating Britain’s eagerness to utilise AI to revitalise communities and drive economic growth throughout the country.

This initiative is expected to contribute to higher living standards across the UK, a key priority for the government over the next four years. The AI Growth Zones are intended to deliver the jobs, investment, and a thriving business environment necessary to improve the financial well-being of citizens and deliver on the “Plan for Change.”

At the NVIDIA conference, Kyle is expected to say: “In empty factories and abandoned mines, in derelict sites and unused power supplies, I see the places where we can begin to build a new economic model. A model completely rewired around the immense power of artificial intelligence.

“Where, faced with that power, the state is neither a blocker nor a shirker—but an agile, proactive partner. In Britain, we want to turn the relics of economic eras past into AI Growth Zones.”

As part of his visit to the US, Peter Kyle will also engage with prominent companies in the tech sector, including OpenAI, Anthropic, NVIDIA, and Vantage. His aim is to encourage more of these companies to establish a presence in the UK, positioning it as their “Silicon Valley home from home.”

Furthermore, the Technology Secretary is expected to state: “There is a real hunger for investment in Britain, and people who are optimistic about the future, and hopeful for the opportunities which AI will bring for them and their families. States owe it to their citizens to support it. Not through diktat or directive, but through partnership.”

The UK Prime Minister and the President of the US have placed AI at the forefront of the transatlantic relationship. During a visit to the White House last month, the Prime Minister confirmed that both nations are collaborating on a new economic deal with advanced technologies at its core.

Since unveiling its new AI strategy at the beginning of the year and assigning the technology a central role in delivering the government’s ‘Plan for Change,’ the UK has already witnessed significant investment from US companies seeking to establish AI bases in Britain.

Notable recent investments include a substantial £12 billion commitment from Vantage Data Centers to significantly expand Britain’s data infrastructure, which is projected to create approximately 11,500 jobs. Additionally, last month saw the UK Government formalise a partnership with Anthropic to enhance collaboration on leveraging AI to improve public services nationwide.

By strengthening these partnerships with leading US tech firms and investors, the UK’s AI sector is well-positioned for sustained growth as the government aims to continue to remove innovation barriers.

(Photo by Billy Joachim)

See also: OpenAI and Google call for US government action to secure AI lead

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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Laura Foster, Associate Director of Technology and Innovation at techUK, said: “The UK has a unique opportunity to lead in the global semiconductor landscape, but success will require bold action and sustained commitment.

“By accelerating the implementation of the National Semiconductor Strategy, we can unlock investment, foster innovation, and strengthen our position in this critical industry.  

Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology, powering everything from consumer electronics to AI data centres. With the global semiconductor market projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, the UK must act to secure its historic leadership in this lucrative and strategically vital industry.

“We must act at pace to secure the UK’s semiconductor future and as such our technological and economic resilience,” explains Foster.

UK semiconductor industry strengths and challenges

The UK has long been a leader in semiconductor design and intellectual property (IP), with Cambridge in particular serving as a global hub for innovation.

Companies like Arm, which designs chips used in 99% of the world’s smartphones, exemplify the UK’s strengths in this area. However, a techUK report warns that these strengths are under threat due to insufficient investment, skills shortages, and a lack of tailored support for the sector.

“The UK is not starting from zero,” the report states. “We have globally competitive capabilities in design and IP, but we must double down on these strengths to compete internationally.”

The UK’s semiconductor industry contributed £12 billion in turnover in 2021, with 90% of companies expecting growth in the coming years. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including high costs, limited access to private capital, and a reliance on international talent.

The report highlights that only 5% of funding for UK semiconductor startups originates domestically, with many companies struggling to find qualified investors.

A fundamental need for strategic investment and innovation

The report makes 27 recommendations across six key areas, including design and IP, R&D, manufacturing, skills, and global partnerships.

Some of the key proposals include:

• Turn current strengths into leadership: The UK must leverage its existing capabilities in design, IP, and compound semiconductors. This includes supporting regional clusters like Cambridge and South Wales, which have proven track records of innovation.

• Establishing a National Semiconductor Centre: This would act as a central hub for the industry, providing support for businesses, coordinating R&D efforts, and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

• Expanding R&D tax credits: The report calls for the inclusion of capital expenditure in R&D tax credits to incentivise investment in new facilities and equipment.

• Creating a Design Competence Centre: This would provide shared facilities for chip designers, reducing the financial risk of innovation and supporting the development of advanced designs.

• Nurturing skills: The UK must address the skills shortage in the semiconductor sector by upskilling workers, attracting international talent, and promoting STEM education.

• Capitalise on global partnerships: The UK must strengthen its position in the global semiconductor supply chain by forming strategic partnerships with allied countries. This includes collaborating on R&D, securing access to critical materials, and navigating export controls.

Urgent action is required to secure the UK semiconductor industry

The report warns that the UK risks falling behind other nations if it does not act quickly. Countries like the US, China, and the EU have already announced significant investments in their domestic semiconductor industries.

The European Chips Act, for example, has committed €43 billion to support semiconductor infrastructure, skills, and startups.

“Governments across the world are acting quickly to attract semiconductor companies while also building domestic capability,” the report states. “The UK must use its existing resources tactically, playing to its globally recognised strengths within the semiconductor value chain.”

The UK’s semiconductor industry has the potential to be a global leader, but this will require sustained investment, strategic planning, and collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

“The UK Government should look to its semiconductor ambitions as an essential part of delivering the wider Industrial Strategy and securing not just the fastest growth in the G7, but also secure and resilient economic growth,” the report concludes.

(Photo by Rocco Dipoppa)

See also: AI in 2025: Purpose-driven models, human integration, and more

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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A report published today by the National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) highlights the urgent need for data centres to adopt greener practices, particularly as the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan gains traction.

The report, Engineering Responsible AI: Foundations for Environmentally Sustainable AI, was developed in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and BCS, the Chartered Institute of IT.

While stressing that data centres enabling AI systems can be built to consume fewer resources like energy and water, the report highlights that infrastructure and regulatory conditions must align for these efficiencies to materialise.

Unlocking the potential of AI while minimising environmental risks  

AI is heralded as capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods. Launched as a central pillar of the UK’s tech strategy, the AI Opportunities Action Plan is intended to “boost economic growth, provide jobs for the future and improve people’s everyday lives.”  

Use cases for AI that are already generating public benefits include accelerating drug discovery, forecasting weather events, optimising energy systems, and even aiding climate science and improving sustainability efforts. However, this growing reliance on AI also poses environmental risks from the infrastructure required to power these systems.  

Data centres, which serve as the foundation of AI technologies, consume vast amounts of energy and water. Increasing demand has raised concerns about global competition for limited resources, such as sustainable energy and drinking water. Google and Microsoft, for instance, have recorded rising water usage by their data centres each year since 2020. Much of this water comes from drinking sources, sparking fears about resource depletion.  

With plans already in place to reform the UK’s planning system to facilitate the construction of data centres, the report calls for urgent policies to manage their environmental impact. Accurate and transparent data on resource consumption is currently lacking, which hampers policymakers’ ability to assess the true scale of these impacts and act accordingly.

Five steps to sustainable AI  

The NEPC is urging the government to spearhead change by prioritising sustainable AI development. The report outlines five key steps policymakers can act upon immediately to position the UK as a leader in resource-efficient AI:  

1. Expand environmental reporting mandates
2. Communicate the sector’s environmental impacts
3. Set sustainability requirements for data centres
4. Reconsider data collection, storage, and management practices
5. Lead by example with government investment

Mandatory environmental reporting forms a cornerstone of the recommendations. This involves measuring data centres’ energy sources, water consumption, carbon emissions, and e-waste recycling practices to provide the resource use data necessary for policymaking.  

Raising public awareness is also vital. Communicating the environmental costs of AI can encourage developers to optimise AI tools, use smaller datasets, and adopt more efficient approaches. Notably, the report recommends embedding environmental design and sustainability topics into computer science and AI education at both school and university levels.  

Smarter, greener data centres  

One of the most urgent calls to action involves redesigning data centres to reduce their environmental footprint. The report advocates for innovations like waste heat recovery systems, zero drinking water use for cooling, and the exclusive use of 100% carbon-free energy certificates.  

Efforts like those at Queen Mary University of London, where residual heat from a campus data centre is repurposed to provide heating and hot water, offer a glimpse into the possibilities of greener tech infrastructure.  

In addition, the report suggests revising legislation on mandatory data retention to reduce the unnecessary environmental costs of storing vast amounts of data long-term. Proposals for a National Data Library could drive best practices by centralising and streamlining data storage.  

Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nottingham and Chair of the working group behind the report, urged swift action:  

“In recent years, advances in AI systems and services have largely been driven by a race for size and scale, demanding increasing amounts of computational power. As a result, AI systems and services are growing at a rate unparalleled by other high-energy systems—generally without much regard for resource efficiency.  

“This is a dangerous trend, and we face a real risk that our development, deployment, and use of AI could do irreparable damage to the environment.”  

Rodden added that reliable data on these impacts is critical. “To build systems and services that effectively use resources, we first need to effectively monitor their environmental cost. Once we have access to trustworthy data… we can begin to effectively target efficiency in development, deployment, and use – and plan a sustainable AI future for the UK.”

Dame Dawn Childs, CEO of Pure Data Centres Group, underscored the role of engineering in improving efficiency. “Some of this will come from improvements to AI models and hardware, making them less energy-intensive. But we must also ensure that the data centres housing AI’s computing power and storage are as sustainable as possible.  

“That means prioritising renewable energy, minimising water use, and reducing carbon emissions – both directly and indirectly. Using low-carbon building materials is also essential.”  

Childs emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach from the start of projects. “As the UK government accelerates AI adoption – through AI Growth Zones and streamlined planning for data centres – sustainability must be a priority at every step.”  

For Alex Bardell, Chair of BCS’ Green IT Specialist Group, the focus is on optimising AI processes. “Our report has discussed optimising models for efficiency. Previous attempts to limit the drive toward increased computational power and larger models have faced significant resistance, with concerns that the UK may fall behind in the AI arena; this may not necessarily be true.  

“It is crucial to reevaluate our approach to developing sustainable AI in the future.”  

Time for transparency around AI environmental risks

Public awareness of AI’s environmental toll remains low. Recent research by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) found that fewer than one in six UK residents are aware of the significant environmental costs associated with AI systems.  

“AI providers must be transparent about these effects,” said Professor Sarvapali Ramchurn, CEO of Responsible AI UK and a Fellow of the IET. “If we cannot measure it, we cannot manage it, nor ensure benefits for all. This report’s recommendations will aid national discussions on the sustainability of AI systems and the trade-offs involved.”  

As the UK pushes forward with ambitious plans to lead in AI development, ensuring environmental sustainability must take centre stage. By adopting policies and practices outlined in the NEPC report, the government can support AI growth while safeguarding finite resources for future generations.

(Photo by Braden Collum)

See also: Sustainability is key in 2025 for businesses to advance AI efforts

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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Taxpayer-funded services in the UK, from the NHS to local councils, are losing out on potential productivity savings of £45 billion per year due to an overwhelming reliance on outdated technology—a figure equivalent to the total cost of running every primary school in the country for a year.   

A report published this week highlights how nearly half of public services are still not accessible online. This forces British citizens to engage in time-consuming and frustrating processes such as applying for support in person, enduring long wait times on hold, or travelling across towns to council offices. Public sector workers are similarly hindered by inefficiencies, such as sifting through mountains of physical letters, which slows down response times and leaves citizens to bear the brunt of government red tape.

“As this report has shown, there is clearly a gap between what the government and public bodies intend to achieve with their digital projects and what they actually deliver,” explained Malaguti. “The public sector still relies heavily upon legacy systems and has clearly struggled to tackle existing poor data structures and inefficiencies across key departments. No doubt this has had a clear impact on decision-making and hindered vital services for vulnerable citizens.”

The struggles persist even in deeply personal and critical scenarios. For example, the current process for registering a death still demands a physical presence, requiring grieving individuals to manage cumbersome bureaucracy while mourning the loss of a loved one. Other outdated processes unnecessarily burden small businesses—one striking example being the need to publish notices in local newspapers simply to purchase a lorry licence, creating further delays and hindering economic growth.

A lack of coordination between departments amplifies these challenges. In some cases, government bodies are using over 500 paper-based processes, leaving systems fragmented and inefficient. Vulnerable individuals suffer disproportionately under this disjointed framework. For instance, patients with long-term health conditions can be forced into interactions with up to 40 different services, repeating the same information as departments repeatedly fail to share data.

“The challenge is that government leaders have previously focused on technology and online interactions, adding layers to services whilst still relying on old data and legacy systems—this has ultimately led to inefficiencies across departments,” added Malaguti.

“Put simply, they have failed to address existing issues or streamline their day-to-day operations. It is critical that data is more readily available and easily shared between departments, particularly if leaders are hoping to employ new technology like AI to analyse this data and drive better outcomes or make strategic decisions for the public sector as a whole.”

Ageing Infrastructure: High costs and security risks

The report underscores that ageing infrastructure comes at a steep financial and operational cost. More than one-in-four digital systems used across the UK’s central government are outdated, with this figure ballooning to 70 percent in some departments. Maintenance costs for legacy systems are significantly higher, up to three-to-four times more, compared to keeping technology up-to-date.  

Furthermore, a growing number of these outdated systems are now classified as “red-rated” for reliability and cybersecurity risk. Alarmingly, NHS England experienced 123 critical service outages last year alone. These outages often meant missed appointments and forced healthcare workers to resort to paper-based systems, making it harder for patients to access care when they needed it most.

Malaguti stresses that addressing such challenges goes beyond merely upgrading technology.

“The focus should be on improving data structure, quality, and timeliness. All systems, data, and workflows must be properly structured and fully optimised prior to implementation for these technologies to be effective. Public sector leaders should look to establish clear measurable objectives, as they continue to improve service delivery and core mission impacts.”

Transforming public services

In response to these challenges, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is announcing an ambitious overhaul of public sector technology to usher in a more modern, efficient, and accessible system. Emphasising the use of AI, digital tools, and “common sense,” the goal is to reform how public services are designed and delivered—streamlining operations across local government, the NHS, and other critical departments.

A package of tools known as ‘Humphrey’ – named after the fictional Whitehall official in popular BBC drama ‘Yes, Minister’ – is set to be made available to all civil servants soon, with some available today.

Humphrey includes:

• Consult: Analyses the thousands of responses received during government consultations within hours, presenting policymakers and experts with interactive dashboards to directly explore public feedback.
• Parlex: A tool that enables policymakers to search and analyze decades of parliamentary debate, helping them refine their thinking and manage bills more effectively through both the Commons and the Lords.
• Minute: A secure AI transcription service that creates customisable meeting summaries in the formats needed by public servants. It is currently being used by multiple central departments in meetings with ministers and is undergoing trials with local councils.
• Redbox: A generative AI tool tailored to assist civil servants with everyday tasks, such as summarising policies and preparing briefings.
• Lex: A tool designed to support officials in researching the law by providing analysis and summaries of relevant legislation for specific, complex issues.

The new tools and changes will help to tackle the inefficiencies highlighted in the report while delivering long-term cost savings. By reducing the burden of administrative tasks, the reforms aim to enable public servants, such as doctors and nurses, to spend more time helping the people they serve. For businesses, this could mean faster approvals for essential licences and permits, boosting economic growth and innovation.

“The government’s upcoming reforms and policy updates, where it is expected to deliver on its ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan,’ [will no doubt aim] to speed up processes,” said Malaguti. “Public sector leaders need to be more strategic with their investments and approach these projects with a level head, rolling out a programme in a phased manner, considering each phase of their operations.”

This sweeping transformation will also benefit from an expanded role for the Government Digital Service (GDS). Planned measures include using the GDS to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities in public sector systems that could be exploited by hackers, enabling services to be made more robust and secure. Such reforms are critical to protect citizens, particularly as the reliance on digital solutions increases.

The broader aim of these reforms is to modernise the UK’s public services to reflect the convenience and efficiencies demanded in a digital-first world. By using technologies like AI, the government hopes to make interactions with public services faster and more intuitive while saving billions for taxpayers in the long run.

As technology reshapes the future of how services are delivered, leaders must ensure they are comprehensively addressing the root causes of inefficiency—primarily old data infrastructure and fragmented workflows. Only then can technological solutions, whether AI or otherwise, achieve their full potential in helping services deliver for the public.

(Photo by Claudio Schwarz)

See also: Biden’s executive order targets energy needs for AI data centres

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

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The government has committed to all 50 recommendations outlined in the ambitious AI Opportunities Action Plan created by Matt Clifford CBE, tech entrepreneur and chair of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency.

“Our plan will make Britain the world leader,” declared Starmer. “That means more jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people’s pockets, and transformed public services. That’s the change this government is delivering.”

The plan positions AI as a key driver of national progress, aiming to revolutionise public services, boost productivity, and establish the UK as a global leader in the field.

Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer at OpenAI, said: “From the locomotive to the Colossus computer, the UK has a rich history of leadership in tech innovation and the research and development of AI.

“The government’s AI action plan – led by the Prime Minister and Secretary Peter Kyle – recognises where AI development is headed and sets the UK on the right path to benefit from its growth. The UK has an enormous national resource in the talent of its people, institutions, and businesses which together can leverage AI to advance the country’s national interest.”

A plan to unlock economic potential

The economic benefits of AI adoption form a central tenet of the government’s strategy. The International Monetary Fund estimates that embracing AI could increase productivity by 1.5 percentage points annually. Over a decade, this could add up to £47 billion in economic gains per year, according to Treasury calculations.

The strategy aims not only to grow the economy but to create tangible benefits for citizens.

Dr Jean Innes, CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, said: “This plan offers an exciting route map, and we welcome its focus on adoption of safe and responsible AI, AI skills, and an ambition to sustain the UK’s global leadership, putting AI to work driving growth, and delivering benefits for society.

“We share these ambitions and look forward to working with the government, universities, industry and civil society to shape the future of these technologies to support the UK’s success and improve people’s lives.”

Three major companies – Vantage Data Centres, Nscale, and Kyndryl – have already pledged a combined £14 billion in investments, creating 13,250 jobs across the country and reinforcing confidence in the UK’s AI potential. This adds to the £25 billion in commitments secured at last year’s International Investment Summit.

Vantage Data Centres is set to invest over £12 billion in UK data centre projects, including one of Europe’s largest data centre campuses in Wales. Meanwhile, Kyndryl will establish a new tech hub in Liverpool—creating up to 1,000 AI-related jobs. Nscale plans to back UK data centre infrastructure with a $2.5 billion investment, which includes the construction of the nation’s largest sovereign AI data centre in Essex by 2026.

Alison Kay, VP for UK and Ireland at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said: “At AWS, we’ve seen first-hand the benefits that digital technologies like AI can bring, and that’s why we’ve announced plans to invest £8 billion over the next five years building, operating, and maintaining data centres in the UK.

“By putting close industry collaboration and public-private partnership at the heart of the government’s agenda, every citizen, community and business in every region of the UK will have the opportunity to realise the benefits of AI, and thrive and grow.”

Zahra Bahrololoumi CBE, CEO of Salesforce UK and Ireland, added: “Businesses in the UK are in a prime position to fully unlock the opportunities of AI, thanks to a strong innovation culture and risk-based laws. That is why Salesforce chose the UK as the location of its first-ever AI Centre, building on our commitment to invest $4 billion in our UK operations to harness the transformational power of AI.”

Transforming public services  

AI is already being deployed within UK hospitals, helping to modernise the NHS by diagnosing conditions such as breast cancer more swiftly, improving care for non-verbal patients, and expediting patient discharges.

“NHS datasets could be invaluable for impactful AI innovations in healthcare,” said Dr Bilal, Professor of Applied AI and Technology Ethics at Birmingham City University. “But they remain largely inaccessible to many researchers due to prohibitive costs and logistical hurdles.”

“Initiatives like NHS Secure Data Environments are a great start but must be made more affordable, or ideally free, for academic institutions.

Beyond healthcare, the government is betting that broader adoption of AI could achieve similar efficiencies in other public sectors. For instance, the plan highlights its potential to reduce administrative workloads for teachers, speed up planning consultations to facilitate new housing developments, and even identify potholes on roads via AI-enhanced cameras to expedite repairs.

The new strategy introduces AI Growth Zones, designed to accelerate the development of critical infrastructure. These zones will not only expedite planning permissions but also ensure dedicated energy connections to power AI projects. The first such zone will be established in Culham, Oxfordshire.  

Building AI infrastructure  

Supporting the UK’s AI aspirations requires significant investment in infrastructure. The plan includes:  

• A twentyfold increase in public compute capacity, with immediate work commencing on a new supercomputer to support AI advancements.  
• The creation of a National Data Library, designed to safely unlock the potential of public data to fuel AI innovation.  
• The establishment of a dedicated AI Energy Council, chaired by the Science and Energy Secretaries, to address the energy demands of AI development. This aligns with the government’s goal of becoming a clean energy superpower.  
• A new government team tasked with developing the UK’s sovereign AI capabilities.  

The government also aims to provide stability for businesses by balancing the dynamism of the US and the regulatory guardrails seen in the EU.

Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the UK would leverage its unique strengths: “We already have remarkable strengths we can tap into when it comes to AI—building our status as the cradle of computer science and intelligent machines and establishing ourselves as the third largest AI market in the world.”

Reservations and risks with the AI action plan

While the ambitious plan has been met with enthusiasm by many, industry experts caution against overlooking the potential risks posed by unregulated AI deployment.

Dr Pia Hüsch, Research Fellow in Cyber, Technology and National Security at RUSI, commented: “Labour’s AI Opportunities Action Plan has economic growth as the top priority, shifting focus away from the previous government’s priorities around AI safety and regulation.

“While the focus on investing in infrastructure such as computing power and a national data library is welcome, the UK Government must not forget risks posed by AI technologies or the international partnerships that are needed to secure long-term benefit from AI technologies.”

Similarly, Deryck Mitchelson, Global Chief Information Security Officer at Check Point Software, expressed concerns about security and ethics: “AI integration without airtight security measures will only amplify these risks. External oversight of AI models and training datasets is essential—not optional.

“We need built-in equality, ethics, and a transparent framework to measure outcomes and prove these systems genuinely enhance performance, not just cut costs.”  

Mitchelson warned that hasty deployment could erode public trust in AI-driven services and deepen inequality. He emphasised that the government must present this initiative as more than a cost-saving strategy and instead prioritise transparency, accountability, and robust safeguards.  

The AI Opportunities Action Plan is a key pillar of the government’s Industrial Strategy and the first stage of a forthcoming Digital and Technology Sector Plan. It also ties into the government’s broader Plan for Change, aiming to ensure AI’s benefits are felt across every corner of the UK.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP underscored the initiative’s dual focus on economic growth and public service transformation: “AI is a powerful tool that will help grow our economy, make our public services more efficient and open up new opportunities to help improve living standards.

“This action plan is the government’s modern industrial strategy in action.”  

As the UK accelerates efforts to harness AI, it faces the dual challenge of staying ahead in the global race for innovation while ensuring the potential pitfalls of the technology are minimised. Today’s announcements mark a bold step forward, but the road ahead will require careful navigation.

See also: Sam Altman, OpenAI: ‘Lucky and humbling’ to work towards superintelligence

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

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New records, part of the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS), were published this week to shed light on the AI tools being used and set a benchmark for transparency and accountability in the integration of technology in public service delivery.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to embrace technology to improve outcomes, echoing commitments outlined in the “Plan for Change” to modernise public services and drive economic growth through innovative solutions.

The power of AI for modernisation

Among the published records, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is leveraging AI to provide faster responses to Britons seeking assistance overseas. Similarly, the Ministry of Justice is utilising algorithms to help researchers gain a deeper understanding of how individuals interact with the justice system, while other departments are deploying AI to enhance job advertisements.

The ATRS aims to document how such algorithmic tools are utilised and ensure their responsible application. By doing so, the government hopes to strengthen public trust in these innovations while encouraging their continued adoption across sectors.

Speaking on the government’s approach, Science Secretary Peter Kyle remarked:  

“Technology has huge potential to transform public services for the better; we will put it to use to cut backlogs, save money, and improve outcomes for citizens across the country.

Transparency in how and why the public sector is using algorithmic tools is crucial to ensure that they are trusted and effective. That is why we will continue to take bold steps like releasing these records to make sure everyone is clear on how we are applying and trialling technology as we use it to bring public services back from the brink.”

Specifically, the Department for Business and Trade has highlighted its algorithmic tool designed to predict which companies are likely to export goods internationally.

The AI-driven approach allows officials to target support towards high-growth potential businesses, enabling them to reach global markets faster. Previously reliant on time-consuming manual methods to analyse the more than five million companies registered on Companies House, this advancement ensures better allocation of resources and expedited assistance.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  

“Our Plan for Change will deliver economic growth, and for that to succeed, we need to support companies across the UK to realise their full potential when it comes to exporting around the globe.

Our use of AI plays a vital and growing role in that mission, allowing high-growth businesses to maximise the export opportunities available to them, while ensuring that we are using taxpayers’ money responsibly and efficiently in delivering economic stability.”

Establishing clear guidelines for AI in public services

To bolster public trust, new guidelines have been announced to clarify the scope of algorithmic transparency records.

Central government organisations will need to publish a record for any algorithmic tool that interacts directly with citizens or plays a significant role in decision-making about individuals. Limited exceptions, such as those concerning national security, apply.  

These records will be published once tools are piloted publicly or have become operational. They will detail the data used to train AI models, the underlying technologies, and the measures implemented to mitigate risks.

Importantly, the records also seek to confirm that – while AI tools are used to accelerate decision-making processes – human oversight remains integral, with trained staff responsible for final decisions.

Dr Antonio Espingardeiro, a member of IEEE and an expert in software and robotics, commented:

“AI has the potential to radically transform the public sector. In recent years, we have seen AI become a credible part of everyday public services. As it becomes more sophisticated, AI can conduct data-heavy tasks traditionally undertaken by humans. It can analyse vast quantities of information and, when coupled with machine learning, search through records and infer patterns or anomalies in data that would otherwise take decades for humans to analyse.

With this announcement, the UK government has acknowledged AI’s potential and proven that technology investment is essential to improving outcomes and the delivery of vital services. Over time, machine learning and generative AI (GenAI) could bring substantial value to the public system. With increased adoption, we will soon be able to deliver the scalability that the public sector needs and relieve the pressures and workloads placed on staff.”

Eleanor Watson, also a member of IEEE and an AI ethics engineer affiliated with Singularity University, added:

“With AI growing more rapidly than ever before, and already being tested and employed in education, healthcare, transportation, finance, data security, and more, the government, tech leaders, and academia should work together to establish standards and regulations for safe and responsible development of AI-based systems. This way, AI can be used to its full potential as indicated with this latest announcement.

Data privacy is probably the most critical ethical consideration, requiring informed consent, data anonymisation, strict access controls, secure storage, and compliance. New techniques such as homomorphic encryption, zero-knowledge proofs, federated learning, and part-trained models can help models to make use of our personal data in an encrypted form.”

Transparency remains a key tenet of the UK Government’s AI strategy. This announcement follows a recent statement by Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who affirmed that the benefits of technology – particularly AI – must span both public and private sectors and be used to modernise government.

As the Science Secretary’s department solidifies government efforts to create a “digital centre,” it marks a major step forward in boosting the responsible and effective use of AI across the UK’s public sector.

The ATRS records offer a valuable template for how governments worldwide can deploy AI systems to maximise efficiency, grow transparency, and balance the need for innovation with ethical considerations.

(Photo by Shreyas Sane)

See also: MHRA pilots ‘AI Airlock’ to accelerate healthcare adoption

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

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AI Airlock aims to refine the process of regulating AI-driven medical devices and help fast-track their safe introduction to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and patients in need.

The technologies chosen for this scheme include solutions targeting cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as advancements in radiology diagnostics. These AI systems promise to revolutionise the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare, potentially driving better diagnostic tools and patient care.

The AI Airlock, as described by the MHRA, is a “sandbox” environment—an experimental framework designed to help manufacturers determine how best to collect real-world evidence to support the regulatory approval of their devices.

Unlike traditional medical devices, AI models continue to evolve through learning, making the establishment of safety and efficacy evidence more complex. The Airlock enables this exploration within a monitored virtual setting, giving developers insight into the practical challenges of regulation while supporting the NHS’s broader adoption of transformative AI technologies.

Safely enabling AI healthcare innovation  

Laura Squire, the lead figure in MedTech regulatory reform and Chief Officer at the MHRA, said: “New AI medical devices have the potential to increase the accuracy of healthcare decisions, save time, and improve efficiency—leading to better outcomes for the NHS and patients across all healthcare settings. 

“But we need to be confident that AI-powered medical devices introduced into the NHS are safe, stay safe, and perform as intended through their lifetime of use.”

Squire emphasised that the AI Airlock pilot allows collaboration “in partnership with technology specialists, developers and the NHS,” facilitating the exploration of best practices and accelerating safe patient access to innovative solutions.

Government representatives have praised the initiative for its forward-thinking framework.

Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, commented: “As part of our 10-Year Health Plan, we’re shifting NHS care from analogue to digital, and this project will help bring the most promising technology to patients.

“AI has the power to revolutionise care by supporting doctors to diagnose diseases, automating time-consuming admin tasks, and reducing hospital admissions by predicting future ill health.”

Science Minister Lord Vallance lauded the AI Airlock pilot as “a great example of government working with businesses to enable them to turn ideas into products that improve lives.” He added, “This shows how good regulation can facilitate emerging technologies for the benefit of the UK and our economy.”

Selected technologies  

The deployment of AI-powered medical devices requires meeting stringent criteria to ensure innovation, patient benefits, and regulatory challenge readiness. The five technologies selected for this inaugural pilot offer vital insights into healthcare’s future: 

1. Lenus Stratify

Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are among those who stand to benefit significantly from AI innovation. Lenus Stratify, developed by Lenus Health, analyses patient data to predict severe lung disease outcomes, reducing unscheduled hospital admissions. The system empowers care providers to adopt earlier interventions, affording patients an improved quality of life while alleviating NHS resource strain.  

2. Philips Radiology Reporting Enhancer

Philips has integrated AI into existing radiology workflows to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of critical radiology reports. This system uses AI to prepare the “Impression” section of reports, summarising essential diagnostic information for healthcare providers. By automating this process, Philips aims to minimise workload struggles, human errors, and miscommunication, creating a more seamless diagnostic experience.  

3. Federated AI Monitoring Service (FAMOS)

One recurring AI challenge is the concept of “drift,” when changing real-world conditions impair system performance over time. Newton’s Tree has developed FAMOS to monitor AI models in real time, flagging degradation and enabling rapid corrections. Hospitals, regulators, and software developers can use this tool to ensure algorithms remain high-performing, adapting to evolving circumstances while prioritising patient safety.  

4. OncoFlow Personalised Cancer Management

Targeting the pressing healthcare challenge of reducing waiting times for cancer treatment, OncoFlow speeds up clinical workflows through its intelligent care pathway platform. Initially applied to breast cancer protocols, the system later aims to expand across other oncology domains. With quicker access to tailored therapies, patients gain increased survival rates amidst mounting NHS pressures.  

5. SmartGuideline

Developed to simplify complex clinical decision-making processes, SmartGuideline uses large-language AI trained on official NICE medical guidelines. This technology allows clinicians to ask routine questions and receive verified, precise answers, eliminating the ambiguity associated with current AI language models. By integrating this tool, patients benefit from more accurate treatments grounded in up-to-date medical knowledge.  

Broader implications  

The influence of the AI Airlock extends beyond its current applications. The MHRA expects pilot findings, due in 2025, to inform future medical device regulations and create a clearer path for manufacturers developing AI-enabled technologies. 

The evidence derived will contribute to shaping post-Brexit UKCA marking processes, helping manufacturers achieve compliance with higher levels of transparency. By improving regulatory frameworks, the UK could position itself as a global hub for med-tech innovation while ensuring faster access to life-saving tools.

The urgency of these developments was underscored earlier this year in Lord Darzi’s review of health and care. The report outlined the “critical state” of the NHS, offering AI interventions as a promising pathway to sustainability. The work on AI Airlock by the MHRA addresses one of the report’s major recommendations for enabling regulatory solutions and “unlocking the AI revolution” for healthcare advancements.

While being selected into the AI Airlock pilot does not indicate regulatory approval, the technologies chosen represent a potential leap forward in applying AI to some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges. The coming years will test the potential of these solutions under regulatory scrutiny.

If successful, the initiative from the MHRA could redefine how pioneering technologies like AI are adopted in healthcare, balancing the need for speed, safety, and efficiency. With the NHS under immense pressure from growing demand, AI’s ability to augment clinicians, predict illnesses, and streamline workflows may well be the game-changer the system urgently needs.

(Photo by National Cancer Institute)

See also: AI’s role in helping to prevent skin cancer through behaviour change

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

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The report places the UK ahead of its G7 counterparts in terms of AI adoption but also underscores areas ripe for improvement, such as support for SMEs, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and investing in talent development.

Zahra Bahrololoumi CBE, UKI CEO at Salesforce, commented: “Agentic AI is revolutionising enterprise software by enabling humans and agents to collaborate seamlessly and drive customer success.

“The UK AI Readiness Index positively highlights that the UK has both the vision and infrastructure to be a powerhouse globally in AI, and lead the current third wave of agentic AI.”

UK AI adoption sets the stage for agentic revolution

The Index details how both the public and private sectors in the UK have embraced AI’s transformative potential. With a readiness score of 65.5, surpassing the G7 average of 61.2, the UK is establishing itself as a hub for large-scale AI projects, driven by a robust innovation culture and pragmatic regulatory approaches.

The government has played its part in maintaining a stable and secure environment for tech investment. Initiatives such as the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park and risk-oriented AI legislation showcase Britain’s leadership on critical AI issues like transparency and privacy.

Business readiness is equally impressive, with UK industries scoring 52, well above the G7 average of 47.8. SMEs in the UK are increasingly prioritising AI adoption, further bolstering the nation’s stance in the international AI arena.

Adam Evans, EVP & GM of Salesforce AI Platform, is optimistic about the evolution of agentic AI. Evans foresees that, by 2025, these agents will become business-aware—expertly navigating industry-specific challenges to execute meaningful tasks and decisions.

Investments fuelling AI growth

Salesforce is committing $4 billion to the UK’s AI ecosystem over the next five years. Since establishing its UK AI Centre in London, Salesforce says it has engaged over 3,000 stakeholders in AI training and workshops.

Key investment focuses include creating a regulatory bridge between the EU’s rules-based approach and the more relaxed US approach, and ensuring SMEs have the resources to integrate AI. A strong emphasis also lies on enhancing digital skills and centralising training to support the AI workforce of the future.

Feryal Clark, Minister for AI and Digital Government, said: “These findings are further proof the UK is in prime position to take advantage of AI, and highlight our strength in spurring innovation, investment, and collaboration across the public and private sector.

“There is a global race for AI and we’ll be setting out plans for how the UK can use the technology to ramp-up adoption across the economy, kickstart growth, and build an AI sector which can scale and compete on the global stage.”

Antony Walker, Deputy CEO at techUK, added: “To build this progress, government and industry must collaborate to foster innovation, support SMEs, invest in skills, and ensure flexible regulation, cementing the UK’s leadership in the global AI economy.”

Agentic AI boosting UK business productivity 

Capita, Secret Escapes, Heathrow, and Bionic are among the organisations that have adopted Salesforce’s Agentforce to boost their productivity.

Adolfo Hernandez, CEO of Capita, said: “We want to transform Capita’s recruitment process into a fast, seamless and autonomous experience that benefits candidates, our people, and our clients.

“With autonomous agents providing 24/7 support, our goal is to enable candidates to complete the entire recruitment journey within days as opposed to what has historically taken weeks.

Secret Escapes, a curator of luxury travel deals, finds autonomous agents crucial for personalising services to its 60 million European members.

Kate Donaghy, Head of Business Technology at Secret Escapes, added: “Agentforce uses our unified data to automate routine tasks like processing cancellations, updating booking information, or even answering common travel questions about luggage, flight information, and much more—freeing up our customer service agents to handle more complex and last-minute travel needs to better serve our members.”

The UK’s AI readiness is testament to the synergy between government, business, and academia. To maintain its leadership, the UK must sustain its focus on collaboration, skills development, and innovation. 

(Photo by Matthew Wiebe)

See also: Generative AI use soars among Brits, but is it sustainable?

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

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With data centres burning vast amounts of energy, the growing demand for GenAI has sparked a debate about its sustainability.

The cost of intelligence: Generative AI’s carbon footprint

Behind every AI-generated email, idea, or recommendation are data centres running thousands of energy-hungry servers. Data centres are responsible for both training the large language models that power generative AI and processing individual user queries. Unlike a simple Google search, which uses relatively little energy, a single generative AI request can consume up to ten times as much electricity.

The numbers are staggering. If all nine billion daily Google searches worldwide were replaced with generative AI tasks, the additional electricity demand would match the annual energy consumption of 1.5 million EU residents. According to consultants Morgan Stanley, the energy demands of generative AI are expected to grow by 70% annually until 2027. By that point, the energy required to support generative AI systems could rival the electricity needs of an entire country—Spain, for example, based on its 2022 usage.

UK consumers want greener AI practices

The survey also highlights growing awareness among UK consumers about the environmental implications of generative AI. Nearly one in five respondents said they don’t trust generative AI providers to manage their environmental impact responsibly. Among regular users of these tools, 10% expressed a willingness to pay a premium for products or services that prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability.

Interestingly, over a third (35%) of respondents think generative AI tools should “actively remind” users of their environmental impact. While this appears like a small step, it has the potential to encourage more mindful usage and place pressure on companies to adopt greener technologies.

Efforts to tackle the environmental challenge

Fortunately, some companies and policymakers are beginning to address these concerns. In the United States, the Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act was introduced earlier this year. The legislation aims to standardise how AI companies measure and report carbon emissions. It also provides a voluntary framework for developers to evaluate and disclose their systems’ environmental impact, pushing the industry towards greater transparency.

Major players in the tech industry are also stepping up. Companies like Salesforce have voiced support for legislation requiring standardised methods to measure and report AI’s carbon footprint. Experts point to several practical ways to reduce generative AI’s environmental impact, including adopting energy-efficient hardware, using sustainable cooling methods in data centres, and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Despite these efforts, the urgency to address generative AI’s environmental impact remains critical. As Uday Radia, owner of CloudNine PR, puts it: “Generative AI has huge potential to make our lives better, but there is a race against time to make it more sustainable before it gets out of control.”

(Photo by Unsplash)

See also: The AI revolution: Reshaping data centres and the digital landscape 

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 other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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