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AI opportunities action plan: responding to the UK Government launch

The UK Government has today launched its AI opportunities action plan following the commission of the Clifford Review. The Government has accepted all 50 recommendations from the Review.

Responding to the UK Government’s announcement of the AI Opportunities Action Plan on Monday 13 January, Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland said:

“Scottish universities are at the forefront of AI research, with world-leading capabilities in natural language processing, robotics, computational modelling, big data analytics, and statistical methods. Our research in these fields has already contributed to the improvement of public services in Scotland, AI-enabled interdisciplinary research into complex global challenges, and successful collaborations with industry. It is heartening to see the UK Government’s Action Plan acknowledgment that the university sector is vital in realising its ambitions.

“AI Growth Zones offer the potential to support close links with industry and attract investment to Scotland, utilising our existing research and AI cluster capabilities. Scotland is an ideal location for a future Growth Zone due to its energy capacity, and the strong ties between our university research sector and thriving AI industry. We’re very keen to pursue this opportunity with the UK Government, alongside others arising from the new Industrial Strategy.”