A Round Table on Artifical Intelligence
The Artifical Intelligence roundtable was set up to coincide with the visit of the Deputy Secretary General of the OECD, Ulrik Knudsen, to London. A selection of thought leaders discussed AI regulation, particularly generative AI.
Attendees first heard from four participants who gave initial thoughts including global and UK perspectives view, how to harness AI’s capabilities, and its substantial risks such as misinformation. This was followed by a discussion which included whether and how to “guard rail” AI, standardisation and codes of conduct. Other issues discussed included regulatory choices, standardisation, speed, lingo and fairness, and where the UK fits into the emerging global picture.
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Scenarios for a Science Superpower
What is a ‘science superpower’? Sarah Main and Graeme Reid explore reactions to the term from stakeholders across the UK and examine alternative versions of a future in which ‘science superpower’ status is achieved. Jeremy Hunt, Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, George Freeman and other senior figures in government use the phrase ‘science superpower’ as a headline for ambitious, visionary science policy. It is a potent phrase but open to varied interpretation. By exploring scenarios in which the UK has achieved ‘science superpower’ status by different means, the authors stimulate debate about the desired characteristics of this status and highlight the choices facing policy-makers on the path to become a more research-intensive UK.
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Science Advice in the UK
The Foundation for Science and Technology and Transforming Evidence were commissioned by the UK Science and Innovation Network to produce a report on the science advisory system in the UK, looking not just at government and parliament but also at those supplying evidence (such as universities) and the role of evidence brokers. The report sets out both what the system in the UK is, and also how it has developed over time. It looks at key roles (such as the Government Chief Scientific Advisor) and committees (such as the Science Advisory Group for Emergencies, SAGE) , and describes how science advice is funded.
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UK science, technology & innovation policy after Brexit: priorities, ambitions & uncertainties
In this report , Gavin Costigan (Chief Executive of the Foundation for Science and Technology) and Professor James Wilsdon (Director of the Research on Research Institute at the University of Sheffield) provide a guide to science, technology and innovation funding and policy in the UK, as at April 2021. The report includes new developments in the R&D landscape, including the Plan for Growth, the Integrated Review, ARIA, cuts to ODA spending and association with Horizon Europe, as well as setting out existing funding mechanisms through UKRI and overall levels of investment. This report was commissioned by the Japanese Embassy in London.
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