Renewed optimism in tech sector as media predict growth and investment triggered by the UK AI Safety Summit

Research of one hundred tech journalists reveals the need for greater diversity amongst AI commentators; but hopes for tech are high with 75% claiming AI could save the NHS.

New research announced by Kaizo PR reveals that two thirds of the UK’s top tech media – perhaps the harshest critics of the UK tech sector – believe the AI Safety Summit will create a boom in tech investment and bolster the UK’s position as a leader in the field. In line with the landmark event taking place at Bletchley Park on 1 and 2 November, the research underlines a renewed optimism in the technology sector, but also the challenges B2B tech publications and their respective reporters will face as demand for tech stories soars.

The research, which asked 100 leading UK journalists operating in the technology sector and was undertaken by Censuswide, sought opinions across a wide range of issues from industry drivers to communication concerns. The summit is bringing together international governments, leading AI companies, civil society groups and experts in research in order to consider the risks of AI, especially at the frontier of development and provide a forum to discuss how they can be mitigated.

With AI top of mind for many in the tech, PR and communications industries, it is perhaps unsurprising that the research reveals that UK media see AI as the most resilient sector and the most likely to grow. AI’s ability to solve big issues was also clear, with three quarters of respondents claiming the AI could actually save the NHS!

Despite post pandemic realignments within the global technology market, 65% believe the UK is still one of the most fertile environments for technology innovation in the world, and that investment levels will increase over the next year with the UK’s attractive regulatory environment cited as a key reason for this. Media expect increased IPOs and Seed Funding for scaling businesses and a significant increase in Government funding for the sector. Nearly 70% believe the current education system will deliver the next generation of tech entrepreneurs but the majority agree the need for more diversity and that the UK should continue to attract talent from abroad.

Steph MacLeod, Director of Kaizo and Board member of the Cloud Industry Forum, commented:

“It is encouraging to see such optimism for how AI will grow in the UK, especially from those with a bird’s eye view of developments and applications in the sector. AI has been with us in various forms for years and we have already seen the positive impact it can have, from work, education, entertainment to vital public services. As it continues to develop in leaps, it is right that we question how we continue to apply these technologies safely and responsibly, whilst continuing to reap the rewards they can deliver.

“This is, of course, a complex matter covering everything from ethics, regulation, and efficacy to investment. Clearly, this will provide opportunities for clients from a communications perspective; but ambitious claims must be balanced with realism – whether in terms of AI’s impact today or wider socio-economic and geo-political implications in the future.”

The survey also covered current perspectives on the tech media sector, with a staggering 64% of tech media admitting they have noticed a decline in trust in the media and two thirds expressing concern over the rise in AI in terms of how it will impact communications. Perhaps a result of the last few years’ challenges, many noted a decline in high-quality UK spokespeople and general difficulties finding diverse spokespeople in general, as well as the perennial issue of UK case studies.

With more global businesses under increasing pressure, two thirds noted they have seen an increase in requests for copy approval, although they granted that this remains extremely low – except where commercial arrangements dictate.

If you would like to see a full copy of the report, please contact us at info@kaizo.co.uk.