The UK lags behind a number of countries in terms of how ready it is for the age of automation, according to a new report out today.
The analysis, compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit and supported by tech firm ABB, has been put into a new global automation readiness index. That assesses how prepared countries are for the expected disruption automation will cause to employment, and the political and social impacts of intelligent automation.
A small handful of countries, led by South Korea, Germany and Singapore, have launched early "promising initiatives" in areas such as curriculum reform, "lifelong learning", occupational training and workplace flexibility.
Read more: Ranked: British cities most and least at risk of job losses from automation
| The countries most prepared for the age of automation |
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1. South Korea 2. Germany 3. Singapore 4. Japan 5. Canada 6. Estonia 7. France 8. UK 9. US 10. Australia |
But more widely, the study found there was "little policy" in place today that specifically addresses the challenges of AI and robotics-based automation.
For the UK, education was deemed the weakest link out of three pillars of innovation, labour policies and education, with the problem starting at primary school level. The report said the UK has not yet been as explicit as other countries in developing a strategy to integrate 21st century skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking, through its education system.
It trails the likes of Singapore, Japan, Estonia, Canada and South Korea in this respect.
Additionally, the report cited "a clear lack of training and workplace innovation programmes in the UK" targeted at small and medium-sized businesses in this area. In contrast, Germany and Singapore run programmes that assist firms to improve their work organisation and human resources activities like hiring and training.
Some 25 countries were ranked on their readiness for future levels of automation, and the Economist Intelligence Unit found many nations around the world were just beginning to grapple with the challenges posed by AI and robotics-based automation.
The report called for more engagement between government, industry, educational specialists and other stakeholders "if policymaking is to keep pace with innovation in automation".
Professor Rose Luckin, chair of learner centred design, director of Educate at UCL Institute of Education and a senior member of the panel that produced the ARI report, said:
The UK has a real opportunity to take a world-leading role in creating and successfully deploying a new generation of smarter digital learning tools across education and training, that will equip students and re-equip workers of all ages with the skills they will need to thrive in the new economy.
However, without a clear policy agenda, including the assessment and inspection services, targeted funding, and the engagement of educators (as well as technologists), this opportunity will be lost and the UK risks being left behind.
Read more: Woodford-backed BenevolentAI raises $115m as founder allays robot fears
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