The UK government is preparing to unveil an “AI Opportunities Action Plan” that will propose the creation of designated “computing zones” to streamline the construction of data centres and simplify visa processes to attract top artificial intelligence (AI) talent. The report, authored by Matt Clifford, an advisor to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle, outlines strategies to position the UK as a global leader in AI.
The FT reports that the computing zones aim to reduce regulatory hurdles for building data centres and their associated energy infrastructure in key locations across the country. This initiative follows the UK’s recent designation of data centres as critical national infrastructure, reflecting their importance in supporting the growing demands of advanced AI technologies.
The action plan also calls for a more streamlined visa system to address the challenges of attracting international AI specialists. Industry leaders have voiced concerns about the current system, citing its complexity and high costs as barriers to recruiting global talent. The proposed reforms are expected to improve the UK’s ability to compete with other nations in AI development.
A government spokesperson described the forthcoming plan as “an ambitious vision for how the UK can use technology to ramp up adoption across the economy, kick-start growth, and build an AI sector which can scale and compete on the global stage.” The government is expected to formally respond to the proposals in the near future.
These recommendations form part of broader efforts to integrate AI into the UK’s economic framework. However, they may face challenges, particularly concerning immigration policy, as the government seeks to balance the need for skilled foreign workers with its wider approach to managing migration.
