Britons See AI as Economic Risk More Than Opportunity, Tony Blair Thinktank Finds
Nearly twice as many Britons view artificial intelligence as a risk to the economy than see it as an opportunity, according to a survey commissioned by the Tony Blair Institute. The findings have raised concerns about public trust in the technology and the UK’s ambition to become a global AI “superpower.”
The survey, which included responses from over 3,700 adults, revealed that 38% of respondents consider AI an economic risk, compared with only 20% who view it as an opportunity. The poll also highlighted that lack of trust is the biggest barrier preventing the adoption of AI technologies across industries.
Implications for UK’s AI Ambitions
The Tony Blair Institute warned that these public perceptions could threaten Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s goal of positioning the UK as a leading global player in AI development and deployment. According to TBI, establishing Britain as an AI superpower depends not just on technological innovation, but also on widespread adoption and public support.
Jakob Mökander, director of science and technology policy at TBI, emphasized that the survey results endanger the UK’s ambitions. “Our main hope of becoming an AI superpower is through establishing the UK as a world-leading adopter of AI,” he said. “If the public perceives AI primarily as a risk, achieving that goal will be challenging.”
Public Skepticism and Trust Issues
The survey findings underscore a significant gap between government policy ambitions and public sentiment. While the UK government has taken steps to attract US tech firms and boost AI research, many citizens remain cautious about the technology’s potential impact on jobs, the economy, and society.
A majority of respondents indicated that trust is a major barrier to AI adoption. Concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, job displacement, and ethical use of AI technologies contributed to widespread skepticism. Experts warn that without addressing these issues, public apprehension could slow the deployment of AI solutions in sectors like healthcare, finance, and transportation.
Labour’s Approach to AI
The survey also highlights tensions in Labour’s strategy toward AI. While the party has been working to cosy up to US tech firms and encourage investment, critics argue that insufficient attention has been given to potential downsides and public concerns. By prioritizing adoption and international competitiveness, the government risks ignoring the societal and ethical implications of AI technologies, which could further erode trust.
TBI’s research suggests that the government needs to actively educate the public about the benefits of AI and implement policies to mitigate risks. This includes clear regulations on data use, robust safety standards, and programs to retrain workers whose jobs may be affected by automation and AI-driven processes.
The Economic Risk Perspective
Those who perceive AI as an economic risk cite multiple concerns. Many worry that AI could lead to job losses in traditional industries, exacerbate income inequality, and concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few large technology companies. Others are concerned about the pace of AI innovation outstripping regulatory safeguards, potentially leading to market disruptions or misuse of AI systems.
By contrast, supporters of AI point to its potential to increase productivity, foster innovation, and create new industries and employment opportunities. They argue that AI can help address major challenges, from climate change modeling to healthcare diagnostics, but public skepticism threatens to slow adoption and reduce the country’s competitive edge.
International Competitiveness
The Tony Blair Institute stressed that public sentiment is a key factor in international competitiveness. Countries that successfully adopt AI technologies and integrate them responsibly into their economies are likely to gain a strategic advantage in global markets. If Britain fails to build public confidence, other nations could surpass the UK in both innovation and market adoption.
The UK government has already taken steps to support AI research and attract investment, including incentives for AI startups, partnerships with universities, and engagement with leading tech firms. However, the TBI survey suggests that more effort is needed to bridge the gap between technological capability and societal acceptance.
Moving Forward
Experts recommend that the UK government pursue a balanced approach to AI policy, combining investment and innovation with public engagement and ethical safeguards. Building trust through transparency, accountability, and clear communication will be essential to achieving the goal of making Britain a leading AI superpower.
Jakob Mökander emphasized that public buy-in is just as important as technological development. “If citizens continue to view AI primarily as a risk, the UK’s ability to lead in AI adoption will be severely constrained,” he said. Policymakers are urged to address concerns proactively, demonstrate AI’s tangible benefits, and create frameworks to minimize economic and social risks.
The Tony Blair Institute survey highlights a growing divide between the UK government’s ambitions and public perception regarding AI. With nearly twice as many Britons seeing AI as a risk rather than an opportunity, building public trust has emerged as a critical challenge. For the UK to achieve its goal of becoming an AI superpower, the government must not only foster innovation and investment but also convince citizens of AI’s benefits and implement measures to mitigate risks. Without public confidence, Britain risks lagging behind other countries in the global AI race.