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My Takeaways of the Government's AI Action Plan

Nana Oguntola

‘It is hard to imagine how we will meet the ambition for highest sustained growth in the G7 - and the countless quality-of-life benefits that flow from that - without embracing the opportunities of AI’. Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology

The Government published its AI Action Plan on January 13th 2025. 


First of all, I would start by saying it took too long to arrive. AI is moving too fast for the government to be moving so slowly.


However, these are my personal takeaways:


1.     The Government believes that AI could grow the economy by ‘£400 billion by 2030’. Thus, it aims to be a world leader in AI development, build and deployment establishing itself more as a producer and not primarily a consumer. They believe that even if the projections for rapid growth are not realised the best place to be is in front of the curve and not behind it investing, building and using AI’s possibilities. 


2.     The focus is mainly on building the capacity to develop and innovate. It is mainly technological with a strong desire to own and innovate within AI, thus the finances will be directed to innovative AI tech development companies who can have national and global impact.


3.     The government is keen to see training of top AI talent and researchers and will drive this though investment in the development of the relevant skills through higher education, further training or apprenticeships to ensure the UK has some of the world’s elite AI talent.


4.     They are interested in seeing more women in the AI space as they state only 22% of the current AI pool is female. 


5.     They are aware there are issues around risk and Intellectual Property but I felt that they have proffered no plan as to when there will be regulation for the sector or what the road map to this is. 


6.     There was an absence of discussions or focus on education or the creative sectors. They mention the creative sector when they discuss there will be an establishment of champions for all sectors including the creative sector. I felt the plan did not pay adequate attention to other sectors beyond the development of the AI tech. This was disappointing to me given the value and impact of these sectors. Yes, the plan does mention skills development and research but in each case in relation to tech development.


In general, an ambitious, self-aware plan with an understanding of the need to develop and innovate for the future of AI which is Now. 



I liked the plan and though it falls short by not mentioning sectors I am biased towards or in providing a stronger regulatory focus, I think the ambition of the Government is exactly where it needs to be—‘a maker and not a taker’ leading global AI innovation across the board. 


I will add here that the USA have just committed $500 billion to the development of AI. 


As I have quoted Peter Drucker before, I do so again: ‘Innovate or Die’.





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© 2020 Nana Ofori-Atta Oguntola

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