Spreading the AI Dividend: Regional Growth for a National Strategy

The UK stands at a critical moment in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. In recent months, we’ve seen a wave of announcements, funding pledges, and strategic plans that recognise AI’s transformative potential to reshape our economy, public services, and global competitiveness. But to truly harness this opportunity, we must ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably across the entire country, driving future economic and social growth.

Our event will start with a keynote speech from Tim Flagg, Chief Executive of UKAI, outlining the challenges and opportunities for AI businesses across the UK. We will then hear from a panel of experts who will explore this theme in more detail, followed by a question and answer session.

This event will explore the Government’s commitments to develop the AI industry across the UK, primarily through AI Growth Zones (AIGZs) – designated areas where targeted investment, skills development, infrastructure and policy support can be clustered to establish and harness powerful local ecosystems.

Held at Nexus, University of Leeds, the session will bring together policymakers, regional leaders, investors, academia, and industry to explore how diffusion can be delivered – spreading AI capabilities, R&D activity, and entrepreneurial opportunity across towns and cities that have historically been underrepresented in the tech economy. With the right support, AIGZs can become hubs of innovation that generate high-value jobs, attract international investment, and address regional inequalities, while embedding responsible AI practices from the ground up.

With its thriving digital sector, West Yorkshire is leading the way. Leeds is home to the UK’s second-largest cluster of high-growth digital firms, while the West Yorkshire Mayoralty’s Digital Blueprint is providing a roadmap for regional AI growth.

This event will examine the bigger picture:

• How can place-based investment support national leadership in AI?
• What should the UK aim to lead in — from life sciences to creative industries to responsible AI governance?
• How do we build trusted, impactful AI ecosystems beyond the South East?

Key discussion questions:

• What funding, policy and infrastructure levers are needed to deliver regional diffusion of AI?
• How can we ensure local skills and talent pipelines support emerging AI hubs?
• What’s the timeline and outlook for AI Growth Zones?
• How can regional specialisms power both local and national innovation?

This timely discussion will help shape the vision for a more distributed, more inclusive and globally competitive UK AI economy — rooted in local strengths but coordinated as part of a national strategy.

Working agenda:

• 9:00 – 9:30: Breakfast (provided)
• 9:30 – 10:00: Welcome & Initial Speech — ‘The Future of AI in the UK’
• 10:00 – 11:00: First Panel (with title above)
• 11:00 – 12:00: Second Panel
• 12:00 – 12:30: Questions and Answers