techUK webinar: Putting AI Into Action on 'AI readiness' featuring Credera’s Varun Sarin

In June 2024, techUK hosted its first webinar in the Putting AI Into Action series, looking at the opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions related to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption for UK businesses.

The webinar featured a distinguished panel of experts who delved deep into how AI can support businesses on their AI adoption journeys and shared practical advice on overcoming common obstacles.

Panellists

• Varun Sarin, Managing Consultant, Credera

• Usman Ikhlaq, Chair and Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence, techUK

• Richard Ward, Director of Government Affairs, IBM

• Iain Mackay, Director of AI Safety and Government, Faculty

Watch the webinar:

We also outline the key takeaways from the webinar below.

Opportunities: Why should AI matter to organisations?

Business advancement

• AI enhances productivity across both public and private sectors.

• AI-driven customer support models improve efficiency using internal data.

Interaction with technology

• AI transforms website creation, information search, and customer experience design.

• Projects often fall short of potential due to challenges in measuring success and discerning between hype and real value.

Business performance and job satisfaction

• AI reduces repetitive tasks, aligning job roles with skill sets, thus boosting job satisfaction.

• AI optimises various sectors, including healthcare, retail, and consumer services.

Challenges: Pressing AI adoption barriers

Data quality and governance

• Data collection, maintenance, and accuracy are common struggles.

• Privacy, intellectual property, and security concerns complicate data governance.

AI skills gap

• A shortage of skilled professionals hampers AI adoption.

• Comprehensive training for both technical and non-technical staff is essential, especially for young professionals.

AI safety and trust

• AI introduces risks such as privacy concerns, model biases, and explainability issues.

• Trust in AI systems is paramount, necessitating robust governance and safety measures.

Solutions: Moving forward

AI governance

• Implement robust data governance to ensure accuracy and prevent biases.

AI literacy and skills development

• Upskilling and reskilling are critical, with a focus on technical and AI literacy.

• Sector-specific AI expertise is crucial for identifying and implementing new use cases.

Responsible AI policies

• Begin with clear business requirements and processes.

• Ensure AI systems are safe and contextually appropriate.

• Collaborate with the government to support responsible AI deployment.

Industry and government collaboration

Business leadership

• Economic growth should leverage technology to boost productivity.

• Understanding where businesses seek help is crucial for effective AI adoption.

Experience matters

• Learn from successful AI deployments and break down implementation into manageable steps.

• Identify valuable use cases and embrace uncertainty for a competitive edge.

• Use a step-by-step approach to unlock value and address underlying blockers.

Recommendations for the next government

Delivery and execution

• Integrate AI policies into plans for economic growth and productivity.

• Foster organisational and governmental collaboration to drive AI adoption.

Skills and education

• Help young people gain relevant AI skills through education and training.

• Lower technological barriers to enable broader AI workforce participation.

Trust and safety

• Continue efforts to ensure AI safety and expand public understanding.

• Provide guidance to ensure AI solutions are safe, compliant, and beneficial to society.

Interested in learning more about AI?

• Artificial Intelligence
• AI