Professor Simon Robertshaw, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ravensbourne University London, shares his insights on the UK’s journey towards becoming a leader in global AI
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has urged the UK to step up and “shape the AI revolution rather than wait to see how it shapes us.” The UK Government’s AI Action Plan sets out the ambition to make Britain – already the world’s third largest AI market – into a global leader in safe, inclusive AI innovation while safeguarding public trust.
AI as a new economic frontier
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology set to drive the next wave of economic growth, productivity and national resilience. Much like the first industrial revolution or the rise of the internet, AI will eventually become a force that will reshape how economies and societies function on a day-to-day basis.
AI can automate routine tasks, optimise decision-making and enable faster innovation, reducing reliance on busy, under-resourced teams and instead driving productivity. This should unlock significant gains in efficiency across sectors such as finance, education and security – to name just a few. How can the UK, however, ensure that it keeps abreast of these movements and claims a seat at the table as a global AI powerhouse?
Positioning the UK as a global leader
The UK has a key role to play in ‘responsible AI governance’ – an increasingly global need. By setting the standards regarding regulation and ethical deployment, we can establish ourselves as a trusted authority on AI safety. This ambition aligns with the government’s broader Industrial Strategy, which identifies AI and data as one of its four grand challenges. Capitalising on our strengths in creativity, education and innovation will give us an opportunity to build a globally respected AI ecosystem rooted in public trust.
Leadership in AI isn’t just about regulation, though, it’s also about inclusion.
Democratising access to AI education and careers is essential to avoid a future where only the privileged few drive innovation. Creative thinkers, particularly those from underrepresented groups, must be encouraged to contribute their ideas confidently. At the same time, AI systems should be constructed using thinking that truly reflects the populations they are designed to serve. Ignoring these risks embeds bias into the fabric of the technology and deepens societal inequality. Diverse teams lead to more inclusive, culturally aware systems, shaped by varied experiences.
Inclusivity begins within education. The next generation must be empowered to share their ideas, challenge norms and collaborate across disciplines. Many universities are already committing to widening access, prioritising social mobility or have outlined concrete actions to improve equality of opportunity. A diverse student community brings fresh perspectives – exactly what the tech sector will need to build a fairer future.
Bridging the skills gap
It’s imperative that young people are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in this rapidly changing technological landscape, too. Educational institutions must keep pace with emerging technologies as they reshape the workforce. By investing in targeted programmes – such as coding or data analysis – educators and government can help to close skills gaps and ensure that the UK remains competitive on the global stage.
Specialist AI training can fast-track the development of the required expertise. In Singapore, for example, AI is already fully integrated into the education system – secondary school students are being taught foundational AI literacy and at university, the focus turns to advanced skills development such as Python programming and hands-on AI projects. This is creating a labour force that will prepare the country for the demands of the future.
To ensure the next generation remains adaptable and equipped for ongoing technological change, alternative modes of learning – such as bite-sized courses – should be embraced. These formats will allow lifelong learners to continuously update their skillsets in line with AI and tech developments, which evolve at a lightning pace.
We see universities moving beyond the outdated divide between disciplines. At Ravensbourne University London, creative students are gaining technical and commercial skills. At the same time, those in tech are being encouraged to think creatively and consider the ethical implications of their work, another approach which aligns with industry needs. This convergence, often anchored with cross-disciplinary, collaborative, real-world projects, ensures graduates are not just future-ready but are equipped to drive innovation that is inclusive and responsible.
A sustainable future
Alongside driving economic growth, enabling innovation and promoting inclusivity, AI can put sustainability at the heart of progress. In construction, AI can help architects design layouts with budget and land constraints while meeting sustainability targets. AI can streamline labour and equipment scheduling, cutting waste and carbon emissions.
These innovations are critical to the UK’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower by 2030, enabling smarter resource use and accelerating the journey to net zero.
AI can also transform traditionally under-resourced local councils. The government’s AI assistant, Extract, is helping councils digitise decades of paper-based planning records into structured online data, speeding up planning application processes.
Salford City Council, meanwhile, piloted an AI validator that cut the processing time for a householder planning application from 45 minutes to 15. Embedding AI into these processes boosts productivity, strengthens inclusivity and lays the foundation for a greener society.
AI: Closing comments
The potential of AI is vast, and the UK is well placed to lead in its responsible use. While automation will replace some day-to-day tasks, it will also undoubtedly create new jobs that we can’t yet fully predict. Universities have a unique opportunity to align curricula with the skills that future jobs demand, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful.
To fully realise AI’s potential, however, education and industry must maintain an active dialogue, working in step with government goals. The sparks of AI innovation ignited in classrooms or lecture halls must be channelled into the industries that need them most, shaping a future that is inclusive and ready for change.
