The UK government and OpenAI — a global leader in artificial intelligence — have signed a new strategic partnership agreement aimed at expanding joint research on AI safety and investing in the country’s AI infrastructure, including data centers.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle described the partnership as a vital step forward, stating that “AI will be a key tool in driving the kind of change we want to see in our country.” He emphasized the transformative impact of this technology, from enhancing the National Health Service (NHS) to boosting economic growth and expanding access to social opportunities.
“These changes would not be possible without companies like OpenAI, which are driving the AI revolution,” he added. “Thanks to this partnership, a larger share of OpenAI’s operations will take place in the United Kingdom.”
As part of its broader AI strategy, the UK government plans to increase its state-owned computing power twentyfold over the next five years and invest £1 billion to support AI development.
Through this partnership, OpenAI will expand its London office and conduct research in the UK on the application of AI in areas such as justice, defense, security, and educational technologies.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised the UK as one of the first countries to recognize the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. He also commended Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s “AI Opportunities Action Plan,” which aims to position the UK as a global AI superpower.
The UK government estimates that AI technologies could boost annual productivity by 1.5%, contributing an additional £47 billion in economic output each year over the next decade.
This new partnership promises to advance the safe, responsible, and effective development of AI, delivering significant impact both domestically and internationally.
