An AI unit has been set up at the centre of the UK government to drive overall AI strategy, following a major AI shakeup inside the government this week. The unit, called the Prime Minister's AI Taskforce, will be led by new AI minister Kanishka Narayan and report to Downing Street.
It aims to transform public services with AI and help drive growth and AI adoption across the country. The government claims it is the first time AI will be positioned at the centre of government.
The setting of the unit, which will be chaired by Lord Vallance, follows a major AI shakeup inside the government, under new prime minister Andy Burnham.
The changes saw Narayan appointed AI minister, who will attend cabinet meetings, and the axing of department of science, innovation and technology (DSIT) as a standalone entity.
The government gave few details about the unit’s remit but said the unit would learn lessons from the Vaccines Taskforce, which, it said, showed it can “drive extraordinary outcomes and deliver real benefits for people across the country”.
