AI superpower investment for the UK – expert insight

This week a multibillion-dollar transatlantic tech agreement was announced, featuring some of the biggest names from Silicon Valley: the chipmaker Nvidia; the ChatGPT developer, OpenAI; and Microsoft in a major commitment to the UK and AI.

Graham Herries, Chair of the IET’s Policy Oversight Committee commented: “The UK has taken a bold step forward in the global AI race. With over £31 billion in new investments from US tech giants including Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, and OpenAI, NVIDIA. As the BBC article states, Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang is predicting the country will become an AI superpower.”

“These investments present an opportunity to align AI innovation with the UK’s deep-rooted engineering expertise, robust professional standards, and commitment to safety and ethics.

“The UK engineering profession has long been a cornerstone of innovation. From aerospace to automotive, rail to nuclear power, our engineers have consistently delivered world-class solutions. Now, with AI entering the fray, we are seeing transformational potential across public services, industry and business.

“The IET has previously published guidance on the application of AI in functional safety. It highlights the behaviour and risks of integrating machine learning into safety critical systems. AI should be embraced as a positive opportunity, while maintaining vigilance around ethics, equality, and professional conduct.

“What excites me most is the breadth of opportunity this presents across the engineering profession. For example, practicing engineers can harness AI tools to enhance productivity, design, and decision-making; AI researchers can collaborate with domain experts to solve real-world engineering challenges and leaders and transformation specialists have a chance to shape the future embedding AI into strategy, operations, and culture.

“Whether you're an apprentice, a chartered engineer, or a CTO, there is a role for you in this AI enabled future. As the UK builds the new data centres and supercomputers, launches AI Growth Zones, and expands its quantum and energy ecosystems, we must ensure that engineering values, safety, ethics, and excellence remain at the heart of this revolution.

“We need to seize this moment. Let’s lead with integrity. And let’s ensure that the UK’s AI future is built on the solid foundation of professionalism.”

 
ENDS

Notes to Editor

About the IET

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Media enquiries to:

Rebecca Gillick
External Communications & PR Lead
E: rgillick@theiet.org