A specialist doctor recently apologised for spending so much time typing up her appointments with my daughter, and the delay we’d see in the follow-up paperwork being sent through to us. She said she had so much admin to do and could only catch up in her own time, despite having her own family to look after.
When I asked whether an assistant that could transcribe notes and prepare follow-up documentation might help, her expression said it all – she needed one yesterday. She may have had a person in mind to do this work, but I knew that AI is already alleviating these burdens elsewhere in the world. In the UK, however, we’re often playing catch up.
The AI economy is not a distant future, it is here, presenting a £550bn growth opportunity for the UK, according to a 2024 report from independent consultancy Public First. But for AI to really take hold, businesses must be the catalyst for adoption. Leaders must drive the necessary cultural shifts within their organisations to accelerate AI familiarity and skills, and ensure their teams are equipped to thrive in the AI economy. Act too slow, and the UK could risk a £150 billion economic shortfall by 2035.
Setting a new baseline for digital skills
AI is the UK’s next major technological shift, comparable to the internet boom of the 1990s. Those who adapted, thrived. Those who hesitated were left behind. The keys to unlocking widespread economic benefits of a technology wave lie in broad access, speed of technological and cultural adoption and literacy. Over the coming years or even months, understanding AI and how to use it will arguably become as important as basic digital skills are today, like searching the internet, sending emails or using collaboration apps such as Microsoft Teams. If businesses, government, and educational institutions do not prioritise the increase in AI skills, we risk deepening existing economic and societal divides.
Demand for AI skills in the job market has surged in recent years, with one study suggesting employers are starting to prioritise skills over formal qualifications when hiring. This is not just about creating a new generation of AI engineers. It is about ensuring every professional, whether in healthcare, finance, retail, or manufacturing, has the skills to work alongside AI and capitalise on its potential.
Beyond training: achieving cultural change
Improving AI skills goes beyond providing traditional training content for employees. It requires a broader cultural change. Training is important, but businesses should aim higher, fostering an environment that prioritises learning and encourages employees to experiment with AI tools and integrate them with daily work. Those that do will gain a competitive edge. They will unlock new efficiencies, boost productivity, and drive innovation.
I have seen this firsthand. When given the freedom to explore AI, my team at Microsoft, and our customers, have uncovered unexpected benefits and new applications for the technology. Vodafone and Capita, for example, have both noticed significant impacts of AI tools in supporting their neurodiverse employees. Those with dyslexia in particular are feeling the benefits of AI, finding that the software’s drafting ability reduced the stress of writing documents and emails.
AI skills need national commitment
Businesses can be the driver for AI adoption in the workforce, but collaboration with government and the public sector will be essential to achieving a scaled approach where everyone benefits.
The Government has made its commitments to driving AI adoption clear. Its AI Action Plan outlines the need for investment in skills and emphasises the role of Skills England in preparing people for jobs in AI-powered industries. It must now build on its positive signals with tangible initiatives to support AI skilling. Leaders need to introduce incentives to empower their workforce to make the most of AI, and become more productive and creative than ever before. Public-private partnerships will continue to play an important role in sharing resources, scaling education initiatives, and driving awareness of the opportunities available to small businesses across the economy. It is organisations such as Skills England that must lead on these partnerships to capitalise on investments in AI skilling.
The UK has an opportunity to cement its position as a global leader in AI and ensure all citizens can access the benefits of this technology. Achieving that requires a shared national commitment between government and industry that ensures AI skills are treated as a priority for all.
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