Former Dragon’s Den investor Piers Linney has expressed his support for the UK’s recently announced ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’, asserting that this initiative is vital for positioning the country as a formidable player in the global artificial intelligence landscape. The announcement was made by Labour leader Keir Starmer on Monday, although the groundwork for the plan was laid under the guidance of tech entrepreneur Matt Clifford.
The primary objective of the AI Opportunities Action Plan is to harness the potential of AI technology to stimulate economic growth in the UK. In a recent post on LinkedIn, Linney commended the initiative, stating, “Falling behind will lead to global irrelevance and wealth destruction. Catching up in an exponential world is impossible.” He further noted the urgent nature of the AI race, indicating that prompt action will allow nations to lead, while inaction risks relegation to the sidelines. “This plan signals the UK’s intent not just to keep up but to set the pace,” he added.
Linney also shared a video of Clifford from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), remarking that the plan is “a step in the right direction.” However, he raised concerns regarding the specifics of the implementation of the strategy. He questioned the purpose behind the construction of new data centres, emphasizing that data must be made “accessible to all businesses, not just the big players.” This highlights a growing concern about the equitable distribution of AI resources and capabilities among various business sizes.
Additionally, Linney pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent 99 per cent of UK businesses, require more substantial support in effectively implementing AI technologies. He stated, “The UK’s 5.6m SMEs must be supported to implement AI effectively. Applying linear plans to an exponential future will not work.”
He expressed that while the AI Action Plan is a positive move, it currently appears insufficiently bold in addressing the challenges faced by SMEs. Linney concluded by stressing the need for the UK to develop its own solutions to overcome perceived challenges stemming from the EU AI Act, indicating that the current landscape necessitates innovative and flexible approaches to regulation and support.
This statement reflects the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of business automation and AI technology, as stakeholders across various sectors consider the implications of regulatory frameworks and their effectiveness in fostering an environment conducive to technological advancement.
Source: Noah Wire Services