UK Faces AI Power Deficit Risks Amid Global Tech Divides

The global AI landscape is heavily influenced by countries that control the computing infrastructure critical to AI development, notably the US, China, and Taiwan. The UK, despite its strong research universities, lacks sufficient domestic computing power and IP, risking dependency on foreign technology, thus prompting calls for government support to foster home-grown computing capabilities. Europe faces a long-term challenge in reducing its dependency on external AI chip suppliers, a process that could take decades and might hinder its competitiveness in the AI wave. Globally, AI's economic benefits are concentrated in the Global North, while regions like Africa and India have minimal infrastructure, perpetuating economic imbalances and raising concerns about sustainability and equity. Despite rapid investment in AI technologies and increasing adoption, businesses are still in early stages of fully integrating AI strategies, with a significant portion of pilot projects yet to show returns. Infrastructure development, particularly reliable power grids, is seen as essential not only for AI advancement but for broader societal needs, with some experts emphasizing that investments in electricity and data centers are critical irrespective of AI's ultimate success.