The UK is engaged in a dual-track AI diplomacy, simultaneously wooing tech giants with talk of massive deals while maintaining a wariness that leads to their rejection. The OpenAI saga, moving from a £2 billion idea to a firm “no,” is the perfect example of this complex strategy.
The “wooing” track involves high-level meetings, such as those between minister Peter Kyle and CEO Sam Altman, and the floating of ambitious partnership ideas. This is designed to signal that the UK is open, enthusiastic, and a top-tier partner for the world’s leading AI firms.
The “wariness” track is driven by pragmatic concerns about cost, security, and market competition. This is the internal government process that kicks in to scrutinise the grand ideas, leading to the rejection of proposals like the £2 billion subscription on practical grounds.
This dual-track approach allows the UK to have its cake and eat it too. It reaps the reputational benefits of being seen as ambitious and forward-thinking, while avoiding the financial and strategic risks of actually committing to the most audacious proposals. It’s a careful dance of ambition and caution.