Silver Bullet or Cheating? What the Invisible Power of AI Means for the Growth of UK Businesses
In the wild west of Artificial Intelligence, the North East of England has become a, perhaps surprising, centre for national and global experts. The region is leading the way in helping businesses truly understand the conversation around data and AI so they can foster sustainable growth.
There’s an increasing appetite for SMEs to understand the true value of the data they own and how best to use it. Alongside this is a growing interest in unlocking the potential of Artificial Intelligence for the benefit of business. So, what is stopping our SMEs from taking action? Experts say a combination of fear and doubt, fuelled by poor understanding of the technology. “Is it a silver bullet or cheating?”
The UK National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) and the new National Edge AI Hub – both based in Newcastle – could both prove to be the answer in unlocking these hurdles and help organisations realise their future success. The North East is one of the UK’s fastest growing economies and the region has quietly built one of Europe’s most dynamic AI ecosystems. Its strength lies in the unique collaboration and knowledge transfer between universities, research institutions and private business, in locations like Newcastle Helix.
“The way in which data and AI can supercharge your business tends to be in three different ways. One is giving insights to the organisation by analysing their current data, so they can make better decisions. The second is to improve productivity by understanding what’s actually going on in their products and services. And the third way is that you can often generate new profitable data-driven products and services which create new streams of income.” – Prof Paul Watson, NICD Director
“Data is like electricity and AI is like an appliance. Without a reliable power source, the appliance won't function properly. So, without proper data, good quality data, AI cannot function." – Prof Rajiv Ranjan, National Edge AI Hub Lead
Both major organisations are based at the Newcastle Helix site, an Innovation District which is also home to pioneering SMEs in life sciences, tech, ageing and renewables. It’s also home to Newcastle University’s Urban Observatory too, which has the largest set of publicly available real time data in the UK.
What makes this ecosystem unique is the academically-rooted organisations are focused on hands-on expertise rather than theoretical discussion. They work with businesses to share data and AI insights that can fuel growth and make practical changes to our daily lives. For instance, the revolutionary company GRID Smarter Cities who’ve developed a data-driven kerbside management system used in Westminster, London and in the US.
"What we've got currently at the curb side is a first come, first served, free for all. If you're a commercial operator, you're coming at a town circling around, double parking, trying to squeeze into some space, you might get a penalty charge notice, and we're taking that away to make that space available and bookable. It’s a managed piece of real estate for the local authority.” – Neil Herron, GRID Founder & CEO
Also on the Helix site are experts in charge of the largest healthcare data set in the world, at the NIHR National Innovation Observatory. Global companies and researchers use their horizon scanning technology to innovate in a better, faster and safer way.
"AI can be an impact for positive change. If you look at some of the advancements in health tech: using AI to go through patient records and pull out prompts and to synthesise information and patient records. Obviously, that's heavily regulated and scrutinised, but just an example of how AI can make us more productive and efficient." - Dawn Musgrave, NIHR IO Industry Partnership Lead
“Newcastle Helix is an Innovation District – we can call ourselves that because we have so many brilliant people and organisations working at the leading edge of understanding the social and commercial capabilities in their fields. One of our particular specialisms here is Data and AI – how will that impact our companies? What are the commercial opportunities? Who should we go to for advice? Look no further as the Newcastle Helix presents team have put together a brilliant short film to help us all understand the world of Data and AI. Sit back and grab your popcorn!” - John Seager, Estates Director at Newcastle Helix
To provide exclusive insight into this exciting, complex and fast-moving world, the team from Newcastle Helix have created a 30-minute documentary on The Future of Data and AI as an engine for business growth.
Hear the real-life stories of companies which have successfully taken the leap into this technology - from healthcare to urban planning and environmental sustainability - and say that those who integrate AI wisely rather than simply chasing trends, are likely to see the biggest return on investment.
"For content, marketing, personalisation and lead generation - where you're looking to engage with someone at the right time, in the right moment, with the right message - AI can supercharge your growth.” – Kevin Telford, FinPact co-founder
But it’s not only UK business that these organisations want to help through understanding, it’s boosting future skills. The North East’s universities have the highest proportion of computer science students in England:
“We need to train our educators and our students on safe use of AI so that AI is not hindering the learning process.” – Professor Rajiv Rangan, National Edge AI Hub Lead
And helping society:
“My hope is that data can help us to benefit society more widely because I think the public sector as well as the private sector will be able to make better decisions and that will be to the benefit of all citizens, not just the companies.” – Professor Paul Watson, NICD Director
Far from being swept up in the wild west of AI, North East England’s artificial intelligence sector has already established itself as a cornerstone of the UK’s digital economy, and it’s growing. The region has just given the green light for building the largest AI data centre in Europe, creating more than 4 thousand new jobs.
‘The Future of Data & AI’ film is the latest in ‘The Future Series’ of films produced by Newcastle Helix. It showcases many of the main players from this unique ecosystem of academia, public sector and industry that SMEs from across the UK now look to for leadership. To watch the film, visit: https://youtu.be/QxZth3lptKc.
Image: Still from The Future of Data AI
