CBI: Government must focus on disruptive new technologies

The CBI named artificial intelligence, blockchain and the IoT as examples

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is urging the UK government to establish a commission to examine the impact of artificial intelligence on people and jobs.

In a new report, the CBI names AI, blockchain and internet of things as the three most disruptive modern technologies moving to the mainstream; it argues that firms and the government must pave the way for their adoption by ‘tackling the barriers that businesses are facing'.

These barriers include a lack of skills to deal with AI; regular co-ordination to establish standards for blockchain use; and the security and privacy of internet of things devices.

The CBI is calling on the government to launch the AI commission early next year, with stakeholders including business, employee representatives, academics and the government itself. As well as the impact of artificial intelligence, the commission should set out a plan for action that will ‘raise productivity, spread prosperity and open up new paths to economic growth'.

Josh Hardie, deputy director-general of the CBI, said, "Artificial Intelligence solves problems. Blockchain changes how businesses exchange value. The Internet of Things unlocks big data. Companies of all sizes, in any sector and across the UK have a golden opportunity to benefit and lift their productivity. Businesses that invest and innovate tend to grow quicker and get the best out of their workforce.

"But while these technologies are in action now, regulatory hurdles, security concerns and finding people with the right skills, mean that many firms are slow to adopt."

The CBI also described further proposals, setting out ways for the government to create the ‘right' environment for growing businesses, such as passing the new UK Data Protection Bill to safeguard the data generated by IoT devices; and establishing regulations for the use of blockchain.