In an era of geopolitical instability and technological competition, the UK government “may not be able to count on its allies” for access to critical technologies and must set out an AI sovereignty strategy, MPs say.
A new report from the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee finds the government has “no coherent strategic framework” for how it will leverage its world-leading scientific research and institutions to advance its wider diplomatic and economic goals.
Instead, the committee concludes that the government takes an "opportunistic approach” to international agreements in science and technology. The report calls for a clear framework for science partnerships and engagements, backed by delivery plans to provide certainty for industry. Without this, the UK risks “substituting activity for strategy”, weakening its international credibility and wider ambitions.
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MPs warn that the US’s recent restrictions on some AI models highlights the risk of relying on allies for access to technologies that are critical to economic growth and national security, and that the government must protect its tech sovereignty. It needs to set out realistic ambitions for sovereign capabilities in key sectors like AI, quantum and space. This would be a necessary precursor for a joined-up strategy to achieve them.
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“I hope the incoming administration will learn from the mistakes of its predecessors and move quickly to create a clear plan for how it will work internationally on science and technology,” says Chi Onwurah, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
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