The London Tech Week opening keynote, delivered by Rishi Sunak, the UK Prime Minister, and Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of DeepMind, offered a compelling vision of the UK’s future in the global tech landscape. The discussion revolved around the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, and the UK’s unique position to lead in these areas.
The Prime Minister began by acknowledging the UK’s rich heritage in science and technology, citing figures like Charles Babbage, the father of computing. He emphasized that the UK has always been a hub of innovation, from the Industrial Revolution to the present day, and that this heritage provides a solid foundation for future growth.
Demis Hassabis echoed these sentiments, recalling the early days of DeepMind in 2010 when the idea of building a deep tech company outside of Silicon Valley was met with skepticism. Today, the landscape has transformed, and it’s easier to start and grow deep tech companies. Hassabis attributed this shift to a change in culture and an openness to international talent. They attribute this to the country’s rich science and tech heritage, world-class universities, and openness to international talent.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the UK’s strength in regulation, stating that the country has a track record of striking the right balance between supporting innovation and putting appropriate protections in place. He pointed out that the UK is a global powerhouse in creative industries, which are growing twice as fast as the economy. As technology continues to infuse these industries, the UK’s strengths in both areas will be a unique advantage. He also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation around AI, given its global implications. He said: “AI doesn’t respect national borders. This is about us just bringing people together to talk through these issues together and ultimately put in place a multilateral framework because that’s what it’s going to require ultimately.”
The conversation then turned to the potential risks of AI. Both speakers agreed that while AI offers incredible opportunities, it also presents challenges that need to be mitigated. These include the socioeconomic impact on jobs, misuse by bad actors, and long-term technical risks. He suggests that continuous education and skills training throughout one’s career will be crucial in the new economy. He also emphasizes the need for the diffusion of technology across the economy, not just within innovative sectors.
The Prime Minister announced the creation of an AI task force, modeled on the vaccine task force, to ensure the UK maintains a leadership position in AI safety research and develops and exploits this technology in a safe and secure way.
The keynote concluded with a Q&A session, during which the Prime Minister addressed questions about the short-term impact of AI on jobs and the UK’s plans to embed a regulatory framework that drives innovation while balancing changing regulatory dynamics globally. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring everyone has access to education and skills throughout their lives, and the need to spread the benefits of technology across the economy.
Summary
In summary, the London Tech Week opening keynote painted a picture of a future where the UK leverages its strengths in technology, regulation, and creative industries to lead in the global tech landscape. The government’s commitment to fostering innovation, managing the risks of AI, and ensuring the benefits of technology are widespread, signals a promising future for the UK in the world of tech. He said: “We want all the benefits that AI can bring but we need to manage it safely. That’s my job as prime minister and we’re going to do it working together.”
