Healthcare leaders express concerns over UK government’s decision to cut £1.3 billion in funding for AI and technology projects
Recent government plans to eliminate £1.3 billion in funding for AI and technology projects have sparked worries among healthcare leaders. The funding, originally committed by the former Conservative government, was set to support crucial initiatives such as the development of an exascale supercomputer at Edinburgh University and the AI Research Resource.
Pritesh Mistry, a digital technologies expert at The King’s Fund, highlighted the potential impact of these cuts on the healthcare sector. Mistry emphasized the importance of continued investment in AI infrastructure to foster collaboration among academia, suppliers, startups, and healthcare organizations.
Despite the setbacks, Mistry noted the UK’s leading position in AI development, particularly in healthcare settings. The advancements in AI technology have shown significant potential in addressing key challenges within the healthcare system, from workforce shortages to patient empowerment.
Business leaders have also raised concerns about the impact of these funding cuts on innovation and the UK’s global competitiveness in the tech and AI sectors. Rachel Murphy, a business consultant, criticized the decision as “short-sighted” and warned of potential talent drain if entrepreneurs are not adequately supported.
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) reaffirmed the government’s commitment to technology infrastructure. The spokesperson mentioned the AI Opportunities Action Plan, aimed at enhancing compute infrastructure and leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic growth.
While £300 million has already been allocated to the AI Research Resource, future investments in computer infrastructure will be considered as part of the government’s strategy for growth and innovation.
