What do AI experts want from the UK summit?

Invitations will be extended to leaders from ‘like-minded’ states, who will gather at Bletchley Park. This historic location served as the hub for British codebreakers during World War II. The guest list will also include prominent academics and technology leaders representing companies such as Google DeepMind, Microsoft (the parent company of LinkedIn), OpenAI, and Anthropic.

A spokesperson from the UK Government informed the Financial Times that the primary objective of this event is to drive targeted and rapid international efforts. The goal is to further advance the establishment of regulatory frameworks necessary to ensure the secure and ethical advancement of artificial intelligence.

Preparations and discussions with international partners are already in full flow, with Matt Clifford and Jonathan Black recently appointed as the Prime Minister’s Representatives.

“Together they’ll spearhead talks and negotiations to make sure the summit results in the development of a shared approach to mitigating the risks of AI,” said a UK Government spokesperson.

What do the experts think?

Joanna Bryson, a professor of ethics and technology, told LinkedIn News that members of the Women Leading in AI network should be invited to the discussions, while Builder.ai Founder Sachin Duggal said it's important that British scientists and entrepreneurs are well represented.

Nicklas Berild Lundblad, Head of Public Policy and Public Affairs, DeepMind said: “It’s still early days in the AI policy debate, but these efforts signal real intent to collaborate to both unlock opportunity and minimise risk and I’m looking forward to seeing how efforts develop in the future.”

Carlos Eduardo Espinal, Managing Partner, Seedcamp said: “It's great to observe the UK taking proactive measures to effectively tackle the growing influence of AI in both businesses and society. I believe that addressing these concerns sooner, rather than later, will be of utmost importance. I sincerely hope that early-stage investors are also included in these discussions, not limiting participation solely to growth stage companies and investors.”

Nicola Hodson, Chief Executive, UK & Ireland, IBM said: It is crucial that AI is deployed responsibly and acts as a force for good in improving prosperity, sustainability, and economic growth.

“I'm delighted to see that Matt Clifford and Jonathan Black will be spearheading the preparations for the inaugural AI Safety Summit, taking place in the UK later this year. It's a great opportunity to bring global leaders together from across government, business, academia, and civil society to map the best way forward for this transformative technology.”

Sridhar Iyengar, Managing Director for Zoho Europe, commented: “It is exciting to see the UK government prioritise becoming the global home of AI regulation. As the first major global summit on AI approaches, businesses across the UK should ensure they are prioritising safe implementation of AI, as well as following guidance advised by government and policymakers.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made his goal for AI clear, describing the “incredible potential” AI offers, also highlighting the importance of safety while recently investing £400m of its £1bn net zero innovation fund towards 12 artificial intelligence initiatives to support the transition to green energy.