The Parliament Street think tank has appointed Steven George-Hilley as its director of artificial intelligence, a newly created role.
The promotion comes as investors and regulators are being urged to accelerate the delivery plan for the UK’s AI sector as part of the Government’s wider industrial strategy.
Recent data shows that Britain’s AI industry is booming, with a total of £2.9 billion spent in private support and average deals worth £5.9 million.
The acceleration means British AI companies alone now contribute £11.8bn to the UK economy, a doubling of the amount since 2023, creating 86,00oo jobs.
George-Hilley is the founder and CEO of global tech communications firm Centropy PR, and will be tasked with leading the think tank’s cross-party policy development on AI deployment. The role will involve chairing debates in the House of Lords and liaising with ministers and policy officials.
First launched in 2012, Parliament Street specialises in connecting businesses with policymakers and operates impartially, organising debates, events and discussions in the Houses of Parliament and the House of Lords.
Originally joining the organisation as technology director in 2013, George-Hilley has led key political liaison programmes, working with ministers in both Labour and Conservative party governments to develop the best practice of key technologies such as analytics, AI and quantum computing.
The UK Government recently unveiled a blueprint for artificial intelligence regulation that would allow new AI products to be tested under relaxed rules, in a bid to drive growth and innovation in sectors such as healthcare and housebuilding.
Under the plans, unveiled by the UK’s technology secretary Liz Kendall in London, a proposed AI Growth Lab would enable companies and innovators to test AI tools in ‘real-world’ conditions.
The proposed new testing environments would be set up for key economic sectors including healthcare, transport, and in the use of robotics in advanced manufacturing to “accelerate the responsible development and deployment of AI products”, according to the Government.
Patrick Sullivan, chairman of Parliament Street, said: “Our think has now been in operation for well over a decade, producing agenda-setting research, events and policies. With AI set to shake up the business community beyond all recognition, I’m very proud to appoint Steven to this newly created role.”
George-Hilley added: “AI has the potential to transform public services beyond all recognition, saving key services like the NHS billions of pounds. However, the technology brings with it huge challenges in terms of security, privacy and ethical usage.
“Our organisation will continue to serve as a bridge between private businesses and the public sector, enabling the UK to become the epicentre of ethical and effective AI deployment.”