Is the UK a good place to research, develop and invest in Artificial Intelligence?

The first panel, at 3.30pm, will be discussing the nature of researching and developing AI technology, and how such technology can be commercialised.

The Committee will hear from:

• Dr Marko Balabanovic, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Catapult
• Dr David Barber, Turing Fellow, the Alan Turing Institute
• Dr Timothy Lanfear, Director, EMEA Solution Architecture and Engineering Team, Nvidia.

Questions the Committee is likely to ask include:

• What training and skills are required for the research and development of AI in the UK? Is enough being done to develop these skills?
• Should state and privately-funded research institutions work more closely together?
• What challenges are faced in converting AI research into practical applications?
• How can it be ensured that research and development in AI is carried out in an open and ethical manner?
• Is it expected that established techniques, like deep learning, will continue delivering meaningful progress?

The second panel, at 4.30pm, will focus on investing in AI. The Committee will hear from:

• Eileen Burbidge MBE, Partner, Passion Capital
• David Kelnar, Investment Director and Head of Research, MMC Ventures
• Libby Kinsey, Co-founder, Project Juno.

Questions the Committee is likely to ask include:

• How are AI start-ups doing in the UK?
• Is the UK an attractive place to invest in AI?
• Should the acquisition of UK AI start-ups by larger foreign corporations be prevented?
• Are there barriers to working with the higher education sector in turning AI research into innovative products?
• Do investors have a duty to ensure that AI is developed in an ethical and responsible way?
• Can individuals expect to retain ownership of their personal data and still benefit from AI?

These evidence sessions will take place at 3.30pm on Tuesday 24 October 2017 in Committee Room 4A of the House of Lords.

The Committee recently published the written evidence it accepted into the inquiry. Click the link below to read this evidence.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/ai-committee/publications/