Parliament Street, one of the UK’s leading think tanks, today appointed Steven George-Hilley as Director of Artificial Intelligence in a newly created role.
The news comes as the UK government signs a new deal with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, to use artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity across the UK public service and key government departments. Areas targeted for improvement include justice, law and order, national security, defense and education.
George-Hilley, founder of global technology communications firm Centropy PR, will lead the think tank’s cross-party policy development on the use of AI and work with companies to discuss packages for public sector offerings and services.
Founded in 2012, Parliament Street specializes in connecting businesses with policymakers. The company operates impartially and organizes debates, events and discussions in the Houses of Parliament and the House of Lords. Steven George-Hilley joined the organization in 2013 as Technology Director, leading key policy liaison programs and working with ministers in Labor and Conservative governments to develop best practices for key technologies such as analytics, AI and quantum computing.
This month, the UK government unveiled a draft artificial intelligence regulation that would allow new AI products to be tested under relaxed rules to spur growth and innovation in sectors such as healthcare and housing.
Under plans unveiled by UK Technology Minister Liz Kendall in London on October 21, a planned AI Growth Lab will allow companies and innovators to test AI tools in “real-world” conditions.
The proposed new testbeds would be set up for key economic sectors such as healthcare, transportation and the use of robotics in advanced manufacturing to “accelerate the responsible development and deployment of AI products,” the government said.
Announcing the appointment, Patrick Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our think tank has been in operation for well over a decade now, producing pioneering research, events and policy. With AI set to disrupt the business world beyond recognition, I am extremely proud to appoint Steven to this newly created position.”
Responding to the announcement, Steven George-Hilley, Director of AI at Parliament Street, said: “AI has the potential to transform public services beyond recognition, saving vital services such as the NHS billions of pounds. However, the technology presents significant challenges around security, privacy and ethical use. Our organization will continue to serve as a bridge between private business and the public sector, enabling the UK to become the epicenter of ethical and effective AI use.”
