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AI, technology and innovation
The revolution in artificial intelligence (AI), and associated technologies, has brought unprecedented opportunities for improving society and government. However, it has also introduced risks — from supercharging fraud to geopolitical competition. Policy makers must find a way to minimise these risks, while encouraging the kind of innovation which will improve society and deliver economic growth.
CSaP Fellows and events have considered recent (and future) technology innovations — particularly in AI — as well as strategies for producing the right kind of innovation in future. Workshops held in the past year have addressed the translation of AI innovation between universities and the pharmaceutical industry and the use of AI in higher and further education. Furthermore, several high-profile CSaP events addressed the role of government in shaping policy on science and innovation. The 2024 CSaP Annual Cleevely Lecture was on innovation in products, from concept to consumer and the 2024 CSaP Annual Conference's overarching theme was UK science and technology for innovation, growth, and society.
Translation of AI innovation between universities and pharma
This policy workshop — organised in collaboration with AI@Cam, AstraZeneca and GSK — considered the role that AI can play in making the UK’s (already world-leading) life sciences sector more productive and sustainable. It brought together leaders from the pharmaceutical industry, academics, and policy makers for a roundtable discussion. In particular, the goal was to improve the causal pathway between AI innovation and real-world benefits for patients and the public. To achieve this, participants discussed how to facilitate mutlual knowledge exchange and collaboration between academia and industry. This includes understanding each other's priorities interests and ways of working, as, without this, there cannot be a unified vision for effective collaboration.
The use of AI in higher and further education
The revolution in generative AI — a type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) which creates new content — has clear potential applications in higher and further education. When used appropriately, generative AI can reduce workloads and free up time to focus on delivering excellent teaching. There are, however, multiple challenges — from skills gaps to concerns regarding safe and ethical use. This workshop brought together policy makers and relevant experts to consider the key problems which this application of generative AI poses. In particular, how to train educators on the limitations of generative AI, and provide them with analytic tools to assess its outputs; how to protect against generative AI causing a decline in the research skills of staff and students; and identifying and filling the evidence gaps which remain.
The Government, science policy and products
The 2024 CSaP Annual Cleevely Lecture was delivered by Dr Dave Smith, the UK National Technology Adviser. He emphasized the importance of government involvement throughout the lifecycle of product development, from basic science to market-ready innovations. He also highlighted how the UK excels in product design, noting the difference between 'incremental' and 'disruptive' innovation routes. While the former requires good infrastructure, the latter requires funding. The lecture also detailed the UK's strategy to enhance its scientific and technological landscape by 2030, focusing on fostering UK STEM talent, investing in research and development, and developing pro-innovation regulations.
UK science and technology for innovation, growth, and society
The 2024 CSaP Annual Conference focused on UK science and technology for innovation, growth, and society. Expert panel discussions were held on the future of science and technology in the UK, envisioning a quantum future, how AI will transform the education experience, and future directions for the research-policy interface.