Rishi Sunak partners with LinkedIn

The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has launched a new programme called “Business Connect,” aiming to connect with over 200 CEOs and business leaders to promote businesses in the UK. Sunak went live on LinkedIn on Monday to connect with CEOs and business leaders, highlighting how the country should be proud of its business credentials, including the creation of 162 tech unicorns, smarter regulation, and world-leading universities. He stated that these are the “right ingredients” to boost economic growth.

Sunak also announced the creation of a new task force called the Foundation Model Taskforce, aimed at accelerating the country’s capability in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The Foundation Model Taskforce has an initial funding of 100 million pounds, and it will focus on developing safe and reliable use of AI across the economy to ensure global competitiveness in this strategic technology. The task force is inspired by the success of the COVID-19 Vaccines Taskforce.

To foster innovations in the UK economy, Sunak has launched a new “innovation” category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, recognizing bright and innovative ideas that deliver new products and services, driving the economy forward. He has also expressed ambitions for new trade agreements, including a free trade agreement (FTA) with India.

UK Business Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, reiterated the government’s commitment to securing high-quality trade accords, slashing red tape, and eliminating market access restrictions to keep the UK competitive. Sunak stated that “Harnessing the potential of AI provides enormous opportunities to grow our economy, create better-paid jobs, and build a better future through advances in healthcare and security. By investing in emerging technologies through our new expert task force, we can continue to lead the way in developing safe and trustworthy AI as part of shaping a more innovative UK economy.”