During a recent House of Lords debate on large language models and generative AI, Tina Stowell, who chairs the Lords Communications and Digital Select Committee, emphasized the importance of a UK AI strategy that fosters commercial growth, supports academic research, and encourages spin-outs.
Stowell urged the government to craft AI legislation that doesn’t hinder open-source AI development or push out smaller, innovative companies. In September, her committee launched an inquiry into how the UK can scale up technology in the creative industries and AI, pinpointing specific obstacles that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face in these fields.
While predicting the future of AI is challenging, Stowell pointed out some emerging trends. She noted that the market seems to be consolidating power among a handful of large tech firms. However, there’s also potential for significant growth in applications built on top of existing technologies, where the UK might excel.
Open source, according to Stowell, will be crucial. “Open source AI development can support competition and economic dynamism,” she stated. The UK needs an AI approach that takes advantage of its strengths while being mindful of risks, ensuring that innovation isn’t stifled in the process.
Stowell called for UK policymakers to carve out an independent path in AI regulation. “We should learn from the EU, US, and China, but not simply replicate their models,” she insisted. Key focuses should include nurturing talent, ensuring sufficient computing power, establishing standards to boost business confidence, promoting responsible practices, and addressing significant risks in a balanced manner.
She also highlighted the need for careful and thoughtful regulation, pointing out that the EU’s approach illustrates the dangers of rushing into governance, especially given issues related to liability and competition.
Finally, Stowell stressed the importance of incorporating insights from smaller organizations in policy discussions. “Everyone should engage with Parliamentary committees and participate in consultations. This technology impacts all of us, so broader input will lead to better decisions,” she stated.
Stowell’s efforts, along with those of University of Cambridge professor Neil Lawrence and Stability AI, have earned them a spot on the shortlist for the OpenUK award, which recognizes contributions to the field of artificial intelligence.