Darren Hardman, chief executive of Microsoft UK and speaker at this year’s London Tech Week, discusses how Britain is faring in the global tech market and what the future hold’s for the country’s AI ambitions.
How do the world’s largest tech companies view the UK as a market?
The UK stands out as one of the most forward-leaning technology markets globally. It brings together world-class academic institutions, a robust startup scene, and a deep-rooted commitment to responsible innovation. For Microsoft, the UK isn’t just a market, it’s a key partner in shaping the future of AI.
Since 2016, over £20bn has been invested into the UK’s AI sector. We’re proud to contribute to this momentum through our £2.5bn investment in AI infrastructure and our commitment to train one million people in AI skills by 2025.
These initiatives are part of our broader effort to bridge the emerging ‘AI divide,’ where organizations with clear AI strategies are already pulling ahead. Our goal is to drive inclusive growth by expanding access to AI tools and skills, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of global AI leadership.
Should the UK be considered a global leader in AI, both in terms of innovation and regulation?
The UK is already a global leader in AI, but leadership is not permanent, it must be continually earned. With the right focus, the UK can not only maintain but also shape the global rules of engagement for AI – from innovation and infrastructure, to skills and safety.
That means doubling down on the foundations: advanced data infrastructure, a future-ready workforce, and regulatory frameworks that strike the right balance of enabling innovation to flourish while building public trust.
The UK is already well-positioned, but staying ahead means moving fast in an AI-powered world, and we must keep our foot firmly on the accelerator.
What needs to happen for Britain’s AI ambitions to be achieved?
Achieving the UK’s AI ambitions hinges on three critical areas: infrastructure, skills, and adoption.
First, we need a strong digital backbone. That means AI infrastructure that’s fast, scalable, and sustainable. Microsoft is investing heavily here, bringing over 20,000 GPUs to the UK by 2026 to advance the next generation of innovation.
Second, we must build a workforce equipped to thrive in an AI-enabled economy. That’s why we’re committed to training one million people in AI skills by the end of this year, helping people to unlock opportunity in new roles, and reimagine existing ones.
Finally, we need to see bolder AI adoption, especially in the public sector. From the NHS using AI to detect cancer earlier, to local councils transforming service delivery, the technology and the opportunity are here. Now is the moment to act decisively and at scale.
What aren’t enough people talking about in the AI space?
We’re not talking enough about the human side of AI. While AI can unlock productivity, drive growth, and fuel innovation, its real potential lies in enhancing what people can do, making work more fulfilling, services more accessible, and opportunity more inclusive.
We also need to shift the conversation from assistance to agency. Agentic AI – intelligent systems that act with context and intent – will fundamentally reshape how we work, collaborate, and create value. It’s one of the most powerful transformations we’re seeing, and it’s happening fast.
And while concerns around AI are valid and must be addressed, we mustn’t lose sight of its capacity for social good. AI is already helping clinicians spot disease earlier, and supporting carers with critical decisions, that’s the future we should be focused on – one that serves everyone.
You can watch Hardman’s talk, Empowering the Future: AI-Driven Growth and Innovation in the UK, at London Tech Week on Monday 9 June at 09:50 on the main stage.
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