The CEO of UKESF (UK Electronics Skills Foundation), Stew Edmondson, has recently unveiled a report titled ‘Future Engineering Skills in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’.
According to the report, the UK’s participation in the crucial multi-billion-pound global industry is hindered due to a notable deficiency in skills.
The progress of autonomous transportation, intelligent large-scale infrastructures, and personalised healthcare will rely heavily on AI systems. The aim, as advocates for the semiconductor sector in the UK, is to highlight the significance of engineering and systems aspects in the ongoing discourse on AI skills.
It is widely acknowledged that the UK government has set its sights on establishing Britain as a dominant force in the world of artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, in order for the country to truly thrive as a hub of AI proficiency, it is imperative that suitable educational and training resources are established.
‘AI Systems’ integrate advanced electronics, software, machines, and physical infrastructure to perceive, comprehend, respond, and importantly, enhance their capabilities through learning. Regrettably, the current AI Strategy of the Government does not adequately address the engineering requirements for ‘AI Systems.’ Consequently, employers in the ‘deep tech’ sector have expressed apprehension over the deficiency of skills, especially in the post-graduate level.
Hence, it is imperative for the UK government to prioritise the development of a comprehensive AI engineering skillset to cater to the future demands of the ‘deep tech’ industry and ensure an adequate supply of AI systems graduates.
“There is no doubt AI will influence engineering design and application and it is imperative that we train engineers with deep knowledge of AI and we must take action now to ensure that future university engineering programmes and facilities provide the graduates and the expertise to lead the engineering design, management and training of the AI systems of the future,” said Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi CBE FREng, Vice Principal (Research & Innovation) at Kings’ College, London and UKESF Trustee.
For the full report click here.
