Tony Blair and William Hague argue that the UK must transform its approach to science and technology to remain competitive globally. They emphasize that AI is not merely a tool but a paradigm shift in scientific discovery, necessitating a strategic overhaul of the UK’s research and development (R&D) ecosystem. The report highlights the country’s strengths, such as world-class universities and institutions like DeepMind, but warns that without proactive investment and policy reform, the UK risks falling behind nations like the US and China. Key recommendations include establishing interdisciplinary “Disruptive Innovation Laboratories,” expanding AI research infrastructure, and reforming funding structures to support AI-driven, interdisciplinary research.
Blair and Hague advocate for a “strategic state” that actively shapes technological progress through targeted investments and policy interventions. They propose creating an Advanced Procurement Agency to stimulate innovation in the public sector and suggest establishing a Laboratory of Biodesign to focus on early-stage biotechnology research. Additionally, the report calls for the creation of an NHS Data Trust to responsibly harness health data for research and treatment advancements. By implementing these measures, the UK can position itself at the forefront of AI-enabled scientific discovery, driving economic growth and addressing societal challenges in health, climate, and security.