The UK government has struck a partnership with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, aiming to expand AI security research collaborations and infrastructure investment.

The collaboration also plans to 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 two 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 the UK government 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.

The memorandum of understanding signed by technology secretary Peter Kyle and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sets out intent to build on the UK’s strengths in science, innovation and talent to “maintain a world-leading UK AI ecosystem rooted in democratic values.”

Under the partnership, OpenAI will also explore potential routes to deliver the infrastructure priorities laid out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, with the potential of investing in AI Growth Zones to support key infrastructure developments like data centres.

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“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,” Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said.

“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.

“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.”

OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, said: “AI is a core technology for nation building that will transform economies and deliver growth. Britain has a strong legacy of scientific leadership and its government was one of the first to recognise the potential of AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan.

“Now, it’s time to deliver on the plan’s goals by turning ambition to action and delivering prosperity for all.”