UK and OpenAI Announce Strategic AI Partnership Focused on Security and Infrastructure
The UK government announced on Monday that it has entered into a strategic partnership with OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, aimed at strengthening collaboration on AI safety research and exploring investment in British AI infrastructure, including data centers.
“AI will be key to transforming the country—whether it’s modernizing the NHS, expanding access to opportunity, or boosting economic growth,” said Peter Kyle, the UK’s Secretary of State for Technology.
“We can’t accomplish this without global leaders like OpenAI. This partnership means more of their work will be happening right here in the UK.”
As part of its broader vision, the UK government has pledged £1 billion toward developing national AI computing infrastructure, aiming to increase public compute capacity twentyfold over the next five years.
With the U.S., China, and India leading the global race in AI development, Europe is under increasing pressure to catch up.
Under the new agreement, OpenAI may expand its London operations and will also collaborate with UK stakeholders to explore AI applications in justice, defence, national security, and education technology.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman commended the UK for its forward-thinking approach, noting that Britain was the first country to formally recognize the potential of AI through its “AI Opportunities Action Plan”, a key initiative from Prime Minister Keir Starmer aimed at positioning the UK as a global AI powerhouse.
The Labour government, now facing declining poll numbers and ongoing challenges to stimulate meaningful economic growth, believes AI could significantly improve national productivity—by as much as 1.5% per year, generating an estimated £47 billion ($63.37 billion) annually over the next decade.
(Exchange rate: $1 = £0.7417)
