The UK foundation Models Opportunity

In December 2022, the AI Council’s memo on the policy implications of advances in foundation models highlighted the importance of rapid Government action to build national capability in this increasingly important technology area. The memo noted the importance of seeking input from across industry, research, and civil society to examine options to build national capability, and to create an action plan to position the UK for international leadership. Responding to this need, a subgroup of the AI Council has convened to deliver this briefing on the UK foundation model opportunity, based on engagement across its networks within the UK and internationally. This subgroup was led by Neil Lawrence, in collaboration with Tabitha Goldstaub, Wendy Hall, Nick Jennings, and Marc Warner.

This briefing note highlights two types of policy intervention required to position the UK for international leadership in foundation models:

• Drive further progress delivering foundational AI policy frameworks: Progress in foundation models highlights the importance of establishing a policy infrastructure that enables the safe and effective development of AI, supports its adoption across sectors, and ensures all in society can have confidence in its use. The AI Roadmap and National AI Strategy provide a framework for progress.

• Establish national capabilities to deliver core policy functions in relation to foundation models: These capabilities should provide a proving ground to assess the functionality and limitations of foundation models before deployment; develop protocols for responsible research and innovation; build private sector capability; encourage adoption in areas of high potential benefit; provide an infrastructure for open research and innovation; increase collaboration with allies internationally; and ensure the UK has access to cutting edge capabilities needed for national security.

The Council has already established networks of expertise that Government can use to move quickly in developing its response to the opportunities and challenges presented by foundation models. Current interest in foundation models, coupled with the creation of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, provides an opportunity to establish an adaptive approach to AI policy, drawing from independent, expert advice that moves quickly to identify emerging issues, facilitate the development of policy responses, and support effective implementation. The AI Council can support Government in galvanising the community to deliver this progress, through both responding to rapid shifts in technical capabilities that demand near-term responses and building the UK’s AI ecosystem over the long-term.