How Will The UK Government’s Latest Tie-Up With Microsoft Boost AI Innovation?

Shortly after the UK and US’s new global guidelines for AI safety were endorsed by 16 other countries (read more), the two countries have another update regarding artificial intelligence (AI).

This time, though, it’s between the American technology leader (Microsoft) and the UK government, both aiming to advance AI technologies.

So, what’s the update all about? Let’s explore!

What Did The UK Government Announce?

As per a UK government website, Microsoft is set to invest £2.5 billion (around $3.2 billion) in the UK over the next 3 years.
The move is aimed at driving AI growth in the country, as it looks to expand its next generation AI datacenter infrastructure.
The Chancellor called the investment in AI infrastructure and skills a critical move for future growth and innovation as well as “boosting the country as a science and technology superpower.”
The move will see Microsoft more than double its datacenters in the UK, train over a million people and bring 20,000+ of the most advanced Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to the UK by 2026.
Additionally, it will support growing AI safety and research efforts across the UK.
Interestingly, this is the single largest investment in Microsoft’s 40-year history in the country.
Growing its UK AI infrastructure and its datacenters across London and Cardiff would see better processing, hosting and storing of massive amounts of data, a crucial element for developing AI models.
Reportedly, Microsoft’s London datacenter facilities are already under construction and will be completely run on renewable energy.

What Did UK Government Officials Say?

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the UK, said, “Microsoft are one of the founding fathers of modern technology and today’s announcement is a turning point for the future of AI infrastructure and development in the UK.”
[Contd.] “The UK started the global conversation on AI earlier this month, and Microsoft’s historic investment is further evidence of the leading role we continue to play in expanding the frontiers of AI to harness its economic and scientific benefits.”
Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology said, “This is a huge vote of confidence in the strength of the UK’s technology sector, showing Microsoft’s support for the UK to reach superpower heights and cementing our global AI safety leadership.
[Contd.] “This investment not only bolsters critical infrastructure but also ensures that the UK remains at the forefront of driving economic growth and innovation.”

What Did Microsoft Executives Say?

Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, said, “Microsoft is committed as a company to ensuring that the UK as a country has world-leading AI infrastructure, easy access to the skills people need, and broad protections for safety and security.”

TechDogs-"An Image Of Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair And President"

Source

Clare Barclay, Microsoft UK CEO, said, “The pace of change in AI demands action today to build a prosperous future for the UK tomorrow. Today marks the single largest investment in our more than 40-year history in the UK.”
[Contd.] “As business and the public sector embrace the AI opportunity, we are building the infrastructure that will support the growth they need, training the people who can deliver it responsibly and securing our society against emergent threats”.

Speaking to reporters in the UK, Microsoft’s President addressed claims about a breakthrough in super-intelligent artificial intelligence AKA artificial general intelligence (AGI), saying “There's absolutely no probability that you're going to see this so-called AGI, where computers are more powerful than people, in the next 12 months. It's going to take years, if not many decades, but I still think the time to focus on safety is now.”

Do you think Microsoft’s investment in the UK government gives the country an advantage over others? Do you think other leading companies should consider tie-ups with governments to promote global AI innovation?

Let us know in the comments below!

First published on Mon, Dec 4, 2023

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