A new AI Opportunity Forum has been introduced by the UK Government aimed at accelerating the integration of AI within the private sector.

Overseen by the technology secretary and the prime minister’s special adviser on business and investment, leading AI companies will join forces with major business and tech leaders to bring their advanced knowledge to encourage the adoption of AI across businesses to boost productivity and drive economic growth.

Despite the advancements of AI being globally recognised, only one-in-ten organisations are prepared to use the technology. The Forum aims to solve this problem by sharing practise and identifying measures which organisations can adopt to improve their AI skills.

The primary focus will be on the AI culture and skills of organisations in the UK by examining their approach to governance, awareness, risks associated with the technology and assessing the availability of data- a crucial element in the use and development of AI.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak commented: “We stand on the cusp of a productivity revolution- one which has the potential to grow the economy in a way we’ve never seen before. So it’s important we get it right”.

The Forum builds on the prime minister’s AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park , which laid the foundation for a global strategy to ‘guarantee the safe and responsible development and use of AI’. This includes the UK’s launch of a new AI Safety Institute.

Jonathan Young, CIO of FDM Group said: “As the widespread adoption of AI continues, businesses are being challenged to develop and implement it successfully.

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“The introduction of the UK’s first AI Opportunity Forum is a positive step toward promoting safe AI, building on the recent AI Safety Summit.

“It is good to see the emphasis from DSIT on how AI is being developed in the business and tech industries as we collectively look to enhance digital transformation strategies.”

“Industries currently face a shortage of staff to maximise the full benefits of AI and we must focus on prioritising resources that provide the workforce with the knowledge required for effective utilisation,” he added.

“It is great to see the national focus to support businesses through the adoption of AI to encourage productivity, innovation, and economic growth.

“It will take a combined approach, focusing on education and training, supported by Government and industry guidance, for the benefits to be maximised safely.”