"AI should make life better for people" - Esra Kasapoglu, Executive Director at InnovateUK, on responsible AI deployment

Across government, AI deployment is accelerating as officials adapt to a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

For Esra Kasapoglu, Executive Director at InnovateUK, the key is to ensure this rollout is conducted responsibly and driven by ethical frameworks. 

Our ultimate goal is to create an inclusive AI ecosystem that works for everyone and earns trust" - Esra Kasapoglu, Executive Director, InnovateUK

Kasapoglu emphasises the importance of viewing AI as a tool, a resource we can draw upon to solve problems. Fundamentally "AI should make life better for people, so it’s important for us to choose projects which truly add value," says Kasapoglu. 

This sentiment is echoed by Dr Chris Royles, CTO at Cloudera, who are sponsoring the roundtable. He emphasises the importance of data sovereignty for nations. Therefore, some of Cloudera’s key focus areas are “how do we make sure the data is secure, how do we make sure the processes are correct and how do we make sure the AI is also sovereign?”

Demonstrating that high security and trust is a priority at Cloudera. As James Underhill, Senior AD - Government at Cloudera, highlighted, they secure data “at the perimeter", so no one can get in from the outside, as well as “from the inside” ensuring that employees can only access and use data where they’re permitted. 

InnovateUK have been at the forefront of AI deployment in government, leading the UK's BridgeAI project. This programme provides funding, training and resources to support government officials in successfully adopting AI.  

The programme features three main elements: 

• Connecting - linking business challenges with the AI experts to solve them   
• Expertise - developing innovative and trusted new AI services 
• Upskilling - building capabilities through tailored training

💡 Esra is looking forward to sharing the successes of the BridgeAI programme and learning more about "the latest advancements in AI governance" at the Government Transformation Summit (25 June, Church House Westminster). Registration is free for civil servants and local government executives.