Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we live, work, and learn, reshaping sectors in the UK. The ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ identifies that AI adoption could boost the UK economy by up to £400 billion by 2030 as stated in ‘Google’s Impact in the UK 2023 - Public First’ report, through enhancements in innovation and workplace productivity.

As AI becomes embedded in daily workflows, the UK workforce must develop new skills to remain economically competitive, socially inclusive, and technologically future-ready.

According to The Alan Turing Institute and McKinsey, AI can be defined as machines that can perform cognitive functions we associate with human minds such as:

reasoning
learning
interacting
problem-solving
exercising creativity

From a skills perspective, engaging with AI means developing the technical, non-technical, and responsible competencies and abilities needed to design, use, and govern such systems effectively.

The first tool is an AI skills framework that categorises skills into technical, non-technical, and responsible and ethical AI skills. Definitions of these categories are provided in the AI Skills Tools Package. These skills apply to entry-level, mid-level, and managerial roles.

The second tool is an employer adoption pathway model which sets out 9 stages of AI adoption in organisations.

The third tool is an AI adoption checklist as a self-assessment tool for organisations. This work can inform local and national policies. This includes ‘Local Skills Improvement Plans’ (LSIPs), and the Government’s ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’.

To read the report Click here.

Find out more about the AI skills tools package here.