A report by a committee of MPs has said that, although UK universities and start-ups have made big contributions to robotics and Artificial Intelligence, the “Government has been slow to recognise both the opportunities and threats posed by the new technology”.

The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee added that the UK should establish a commission on AI to provide global leadership on the social, legal and ethical implications of AI.

Tania Mathias, the committee’s acting chairman, said a model could be Mary Warnock’s commission on human fertilisation and embryology in the 1980s, which gave Britain a world-wide lead in the regulation of reproductive technology. “The UK is well placed to provide this type of intellectual leadership.

However, Government leadership has been lacking. Ministers must commit to addressing the digital skills crisis through a digital strategy without delay.”

She added: “Concerns about machines taking jobs and eliminating the need for human labour have persisted for centuries. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that we will see AI technology creating new jobs over the coming decades while at the same time displacing others. Since we cannot yet foresee exactly how these changes will play out, we must respond with a readiness to re-skill and up-skill.”

Meanwhile, China’s third-largest private-equity business, CSC Group, is helping to fund an AI incubator in the UK. The Chinese state-backed fund, which has more than $12 billion to its name, has agreed a multi-million-pound partnership with London-based start-up incubator Founders Factory, led by entrepreneur and investor Brent Hoberman.
Together, they will set up five early-stage AI start-ups and hire 60 people.