Universities seem poised to play a crucial role in addressing the gap between AI's lab capabilities and its practical, real-world application. Recent years have shown a disconnect between technological advances and their meaningful benefits, partly due to misunderstandings of real-world challenges.
Historically, a lack of integration and adaptation has led to notable failures like the Horizon Post Office and Lorenzo NHS IT projects in the UK. These projects faltered because of insufficient understanding of local needs, poor feedback mechanisms, and rigid implementation approaches.
As AI becomes embedded in the public sector, these past mistakes should inform a change in approach. The UK has the potential to tap into its research and human capital resources, paving the way for grassroots AI development.
In Cambridgeshire, Greater Cambridge Shared Planning's collaboration with universities on AI tools for public consultation suggests a model for integrating expert knowledge with research capabilities. This collaboration could significantly reduce analysis time for planning staff.
The healthcare sector is witnessing similar efforts. Collaborations between clinicians and researchers are leading to AI developments for cancer diagnosis that enhance clinical judgment rather than replace it. The success of NHSEngland East's COVID-19 collaborations further highlights this point, demonstrating AI's potential in operational decision support through partnerships understanding local needs.
This approach fosters what is called an 'attention reinvestment cycle'. By reinvesting time saved through AI into knowledge sharing and mentorship, professionals can organically spread solutions through networks, ensuring technology is championed by its users.
Universities, often distant from societal issues, hold the research and human capital vital for AI innovation. As neutral conveners, they can facilitate collaborations between AI developers and end users, ensuring that AI benefits are widely realized.
This human-centered approach is essential for governments to realize national AI strategies effectively. As such, universities must step up to their potential role, ensuring technological progress truly serves the public good.