Google Presents UK Gov With AI Roadmap: ‘National Research Cloud’ and Data Centers Top of Agenda

• Google has called for the U.K. to invest in a National Research Cloud and more data centers.
• The tech giant said the country risks falling behind in AI innovation if action is not taken.
• Data centers recently became classified as “critical national infrastructure” by the British government.

Google has said the U.K. needs to invest in more data centers and a National Research Cloud to fully unlock its AI potential. 

In a new report, Unlocking the UK’s AI Potential, the tech giant warned that the U.K. risks being left behind if the government, public sector, and private companies do not work together. 

Google’s AI Agenda 

Debbie Weinstein, vice president and managing director of Google UK & Ireland, said that AI-powered innovation could create over £400 billion in economic value for the country by 2030.

However, she warned  that these benefits will not come automatically – and a comprehensive AI opportunity agenda will be required. 

“The UK needs to develop a comprehensive and thoughtful strategy that ensures it can stay ahead,” Weinstein said. 

To achieve this, Google has called for the development of a National Research Cloud, more investment in critical AI infrastructure for data centers, and maintaining a healthy AI ecosystem aligned with international AI frameworks. 

AI Data Centers 

Google claimed that an investment in data centers “is also an investment in jobs and the UK workforce.”

The comments  follow the U.K. government classifying data centers  as “critical national infrastructure” last week, giving the country’s computing servers extra protection from cyber attacks. 

“Bringing data centers into the Critical National Infrastructure regime will allow better coordination and cooperation with the government against cyber criminals and unexpected events,” technology minister Peter Kyle said.

Global tech giants welcomed this news. Amazon’s cloud arm, Amazon Web Services, said last week  it would spend 8 billion pounds to develop data centers in the U.K. over the next five years. 

However, despite these advancements, Google said issues around competitiveness remain.

For the U.K. AI market to blossom, the tech giant warned that electricity prices need to be lowered.

“The UK’s electricity costs are the third highest in the EU, partly due to the multiple levies included in consumer’s bills,” Google said. 

National Research Cloud 

Along with AI data centers, Google has proposed building a National Research Cloud similar to the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource in the U.S.

The goal is to provide more access to the necessary infrastructure, especially for researchers, startups, and institutions that may not have access to the vast computational resources typically required for advanced AI research.

“To compete as a global tech leader, it’s vital the UK develops a comprehensive compute strategy, both in terms of capacity and delivery focus, and that this is managed by senior Government leadership,” Google said. 

About the Author

Kurt Robson

Kurt Robson is a London-based reporter at CCN with a diverse background across several prominent news outlets. Having transitioned into the world of technology journalism several years ago, Kurt has developed a keen fascination with all things AI. Kurt’s reporting blends a passion for innovation with a commitment to delivering insightful, accurate and engaging stories on the cutting edge of technology.

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