The UK government and OpenAI have launched a non-binding strategic collaboration aimed at boosting OpenAI's UK footprint and working together on security, public sector transformation, and AI infrastructure. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
With its AI Opportunities Action Plan and prior AI initiatives, the UK has already made notable strides toward AI adoption. This development could result in the creation of well-paying new jobs and lower-cost public services.
As part of the MoU, OpenAI has announced it will “explore” investing in UK AI infrastructure, potentially including data centers. Additionally, as part of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the ChatGPT-maker has committed to investigate investing in and assisting with AI Growth Zones being established throughout the United Kingdom. The government has already allocated £2 billion to these AI Growth Zones.
Local towns throughout the UK have submitted more than 200 bids to host AI Growth Zones. It is anticipated that these regions would develop into hubs for AI infrastructure, drawing billions of pounds in investment. OpenAI has pledged to look into support and investments, although it hasn't made any specific investment commitments as of yet.
Additionally, the collaboration seeks to apply AI to fields like education, military, justice, and security. The government thinks that by utilizing this technology, taxpayer-funded services can become more efficient. It already utilizes a program called Consult that uses GPT-4o to automatically sift public replies to consultations, which used to take officials weeks, and an AI assistant called Humphrey that helps to speed up the civil service by eliminating administrative duties.
As part of the deal, OpenAI will also provide the UK AI Security Institute with additional technical data to help the government better understand the potential and dangers of AI. Additionally, it intends to grow its engineering and research teams by enlarging its London office. More people in high-paying jobs will be paying taxes, which will boost UK tax revenues. Qualified individuals will also benefit from the increased number of jobs available.