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The UK government recently unveiled its ambitious AI Action Plan, outlining a roadmap for the nation to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. While the plan encompasses various initiatives, from bolstering AI research and development to fostering ethical AI practices, a critical area demands closer scrutiny: attracting international AI talent. The government’s response to Recommendation 21 of the plan, which calls for exploring the immigration system’s role in attracting top AI graduates, has been a lukewarm “partially agree”. This hesitancy to fully commit to attracting global AI talent may hinder the UK's ambitions and jeopardise its potential to become a true AI powerhouse.

The UK's AI Action Plan: A Summary

The UK's AI Action Plan, spearheaded by tech entrepreneur Matt Clifford, sets out a comprehensive strategy to harness the transformative power of AI1. The plan acknowledges the need to expand the UK's national AI infrastructure, enhance AI security, and create a National Data Library1. It also emphasises the importance of attracting AI talent, with proposals like establishing a program akin to the Rhodes Scholarship to bring exceptional individuals to the UK and reforming the migration system to attract AI graduates from abroad1.

However, the plan's approach to attracting international AI talent appears somewhat restrained. While it acknowledges the need to attract highly skilled AI workers from abroad, it primarily points to existing visa routes like the Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, and Global Talent visas2. This reliance on existing frameworks, without significant adjustments tailored to the unique needs of the AI sector, raises concerns about the UK's ability to compete effectively in the global race for AI talent.

Furthermore, industry leaders have expressed concerns about the complexity and cost of the UK's visa system2. Lengthy administrative procedures and high visa fees can deter overseas talent, particularly those considering joining startups or early-stage companies. The government must address these concerns to ensure that the UK remains an attractive destination for top AI professionals.

Recommendation 21: A Closer Look

Recommendation 21 specifically calls for exploring how the existing immigration system can be used to attract graduates from universities producing some of the world's top AI talent2. The government's "partially agree" response highlights the availability of various visa routes for talented AI graduates, including those from institutions not on the High Potential Individual (HPI) eligibility lists2. However, this response fails to address the nuances of attracting and retaining top AI graduates.

The HPI visa, while designed to attract high-potential individuals, may not adequately capture the specific skills and qualifications of AI graduates from leading global institutions not included in the eligibility list2. Universities from certain countries are omitted from this very select list altogether. This limited scope of the HPI visa could inadvertently exclude exceptional AI talent that could contribute significantly to the UK's AI ecosystem.

The Brexit Factor

The UK's departure from the European Union has undoubtedly impacted its ability to attract international talent. Brexit has introduced new barriers to immigration, including increased bureaucracy, higher costs and salary thresholds, and a reduced talent pool3. Not to mention the ripple effect emanating from the latest government Budget. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has also made the UK less attractive to some international professionals5. Indeed, around 35% of employers surveyed by Indeed cited Brexit as a key obstacle to hiring skilled foreign workers6. This is particularly concerning in sectors like AI, where skills shortages are already prevalent.

To mitigate the impact of Brexit, the government should prioritise clear and consistent immigration policies that provide certainty and clarity for international AI professionals. It should also actively promote the UK as an attractive destination for AI talent, highlighting its strengths in research, innovation, and industry collaboration. By addressing the challenges posed by Brexit head-on, the UK can ensure that it remains a competitive player in the global AI landscape.

Recommendations for Improvement

To enhance the UK's ability to attract and retain international AI graduates, the government should consider the following recommendations:

  • Streamline the visa process: Simplify the application process for AI-related visas, reducing administrative burdens and processing times. This could involve reducing the number of required forms, and providing simpler and broader eligibility criteria. Faster processing times would also make the UK a more attractive option for AI professionals who may have offers from other countries.
  • Offer financial incentives: Provide competitive salaries, tax breaks, and research grants to attract top AI talent. The UK must compete with countries like the USA, which offer high salaries and attractive stock options to lure top AI professionals7. Offering financial incentives can help attract and retain top talent, particularly in a competitive global market.
  • Expand the scope of the HPI visa: Include graduates from leading global AI institutions not currently on the eligibility list. This would ensure that the UK does not miss out on exceptional AI talent from institutions that are producing cutting-edge research and graduates with highly sought-after skills.
  • Create dedicated AI immigration pathways: Develop specific visa categories tailored to the needs of AI professionals, such as researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. This would demonstrate the UK's commitment to attracting AI talent and provide a clear pathway for individuals with specific AI-related skills and experience.
  • Foster a welcoming environment: Promote diversity and inclusion in the AI sector, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for international talent. This could involve initiatives to support the integration of international professionals, promote cultural awareness, and address potential biases in recruitment and promotion processes.
  • Invest in skills development: Support initiatives that provide AI training and upskilling opportunities for both domestic and international workers. This would help to address skills shortages in the AI sector and ensure that the UK has a workforce with the necessary skills to drive AI innovation and development.
  • Learn from other countries: The UK can learn from the approaches of other countries, such as Canada and Germany, in attracting AI talent. Canada actively showcases itself as an attractive destination through programs like the CIFAR DLRL Summer School8. Germany encourages international collaboration in AI education and research9. The UK could implement similar initiatives to attract top students and researchers.
  • Avoid common recruitment mistakes: When recruiting AI talent, the UK should avoid common pitfalls such as competing with tech companies solely on salary without highlighting unique differentiators10. Instead, the UK should emphasise its strengths in research, innovation, and its supportive ecosystem for AI development.

A Global Perspective: How Other Nations Attract AI Talent

To understand the potential shortcomings of the UK's approach, it's crucial to examine how other countries are attracting AI talent. The USA, for instance, focuses on increasing the number of students training at US institutions, attracting post-graduate students trained abroad, and incentivising workers to transition into AI sectors11. The USA also leverages its strong financial incentives, including high salaries and attractive stock options, to lure top AI professionals7.

Canada boasts a comprehensive Pan-Canadian AI strategy that fosters talent, connects researchers with industry partners, and supports the development of AI-based products and services12. Canada also prioritises strengthening AI education, boosting business R&D, and bridging the gap between academia and industry to attract and retain AI talent13.

Germany focuses on expanding learning platforms, creating AI professorships, and promoting STEM education to develop a robust AI skill base14. The country also invests heavily in AI research and development, establishing competence centers and fostering international collaborations to attract global AI expertise15.

These examples demonstrate a proactive and targeted approach to attracting AI talent, with a focus on streamlining immigration processes, providing financial incentives, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for AI research and development. The UK can learn from these examples and adopt similar strategies to enhance its attractiveness to global AI professionals.

The Benefits of Attracting International AI Graduates

Attracting more international AI graduates to the UK offers numerous potential benefits. Firstly, it can boost innovation and accelerate the development of cutting-edge AI technologies. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the UK can foster a vibrant AI ecosystem that drives breakthroughs in various fields, from healthcare and finance to transportation and manufacturing.

Secondly, attracting international AI talent can contribute significantly to economic growth. AI is projected to have a substantial impact on the UK economy, potentially adding billions of pounds annually16. By attracting skilled AI professionals, the UK can enhance productivity, stimulate innovation, and create new jobs, driving economic prosperity. Since July, the UK has attracted £14 billion in AI investment, demonstrating its potential as a hub for AI innovation and growth18.

Thirdly, a strong AI workforce can enhance the UK's global competitiveness. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various industries, attracting and retaining top AI talent is crucial for the UK to maintain its position as a leading global economy.

Conclusion

The UK's AI Action Plan lays a solid foundation for the nation's AI ambitions. However, the government's hesitant approach to attracting international AI talent may hinder its progress. By implementing the recommendations similar to those outlined above, the UK can create a more welcoming and attractive environment for global AI professionals, ensuring that it can compete effectively in the global AI race and realise its full potential as an AI powerhouse.

While Brexit poses challenges to attracting international talent, the potential economic benefits of a thriving AI sector are significant. By adopting a more proactive and comprehensive approach to immigration, the UK can overcome these challenges and position itself as a global leader in AI innovation and development.

If you would like further information please contact Elena Tsirlina +44 (0) 207 758 8170 elenatsirlina@cdsmayfair.com 


Works/Articles cited

  1. AI action plan: The key points in the UK's plan to be a 'world leader ..., accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.independent.co.uk/business/ai-action-plan-the-key-points-in-the-uk-s-plan-to-be-a-world-leader-in-field-b2678532.html
  2. Visa restrictions to be relaxed for AI workers from overseas | The ..., accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/uk-work-visas-restrictions-relaxed-ai-india-us-home-office-b1204462.html
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  10. How to Attract, Develop, and Retain AI Talent | BCG, accessed 15 January 2025, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/how-to-attract-develop-retain-ai-talent
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  19. Image credit: Getty Images What is AI? What does artificial intelligence do? - BBC Newsround

 

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