One of the UK’s leading think tanks, Parliament Street, has just hired tech veteran Steven George-Hilley as its Director of Artificial Intelligence, in a newly created job role.
The appointment comes as the government has proposed to make the UK a world-class AI research hub, and an elite for tech talent.
As part of the government programme, the Britain is also scheduled to train tens of thousands of additional AI professionals across the technology sector to meet demand and additionally increase its share of the world’s top 1,000 AI researchers.
Additionally, the UK government has signed a new deal with OpenAI, the firm behind ChatGPT, to use artificial intelligence (AI) to increase productivity in the UK’s public services and key government departments. Areas targeted for improvement include the justice, law and order, national security, defence and education sectors.
George-Hilley is also founder of global communications firm Centropy PR, and will charged with leading the think tank’s cross-party policy development on AI deployment. The role will include liaising with businesses to discuss packages for public sector deals and services.
First established in 2012, the Parliament Street think tank specialises in connecting businesses with policymakers and operates impartially, organising debates, events and discussions in the Houses of Parliament and the House of Lords. Joining the organisation as Technology Director in 2013, Steven George-Hilley has led key political liaison programmes, working with ministers in both Labour and Conservative party governments to develop the best practice of key technologies such as analytics, AI and quantum computing.
The news comes as the UK government has unveiled a blueprint for artificial intelligence regulation that would allow new AI products to be tested under relaxed rules, in a bid to drive growth and innovation in sectors such as healthcare and housebuilding.
The proposed new testing environments would be set up for key economic sectors including healthcare, transport, and in the use of robotics in advanced manufacturing to “accelerate the responsible development and deployment of AI products”, according to the government.
Commenting on the appointment, Patrick Sullivan, Chairman told reporters: “Our think has now been in operation for well over a decade, producing agenda-setting research, events and policies. With AI set to shake up the business community beyond all recognition, I’m very proud to appoint Steven to this newly created role.”
Steven George-Hilley, Director of AI, Parliament Street, said in a statement: “AI has the potential to transform public services beyond all recognition, saving key services like the NHS billions of pounds. However, the technology brings with it huge challenges in terms of security, privacy and ethical usage.
George-Hilley continued, “Our organisation will continue to serve as a bridge between private businesses and the public sector, enabling the UK to become the epicentre of ethical and effective AI deployment.
