OpenAI and the UK government have signed a new strategic partnership setting out plans to expand AI security research collaborations, explore investing in UK AI infrastructure like data centres, and find new ways for taxpayer-funded services like security and education to make best use of the latest tech.
It comes as OpenAI deepens its commitment to the UK, with plans to increase the size of its London office to follow. The move will build out what started as the company’s first international location just 2 years ago, where research and engineering teams contribute to the development of frontier AI models, and support is provided to UK business, developers and start-ups.
The partnership will explore where it can deploy AI in areas such as justice, defence and security, and education technology in line with UK standards and guidelines to demonstrate the opportunity to make taxpayer-funded services more efficient and effective.
Under the partnership, OpenAI will also explore potential routes to deliver the infrastructure priorities laid out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, recognising the importance of UK sovereign capability in achieving the economic benefits of AI.
The move could mean that world-changing AI tech is developed in the UK, driving discoveries that will deliver growth, the government said.
“AI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country – whether that’s in fixing the NHS, breaking down barriers to opportunity or driving economic growth,” said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.
“That’s why we need to make sure Britain is front and centre when it comes to developing and deploying AI, so we can make sure it works for us,” he said.
He added that this can’t be achieved without companies like OpenAI, who are driving this revolution forward internationally.
“This partnership will see more of their work taking place in the UK, creating high-paid tech jobs, driving investment in infrastructure, and crucially giving our country agency over how this world-changing technology moves forward.”
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