Bristol named UK’s fifth most AI-ready city in new study
Bristol has emerged as the fifth most AI-ready city in the UK, new research has revealed.
The city beat Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh in the SAS AI Cities Index 2024, which annually reveals the cities that are most likely to benefit from the growing appetite for artificial intelligence (AI).
The research is compiled using seven criteria, including AI-related jobs being advertised, the number of AI companies in the city, search demand for generative AI, education opportunities and the value of Innovate UK funding granted in each area.
Bristol businesses had some of the highest number of AI grants awarded to them by InnovateUK, along with the city being home to a large proportion of jobs in the industry, within a five-mile radius.
Manchester, which is also the birthplace of the industrial revolution, came first due to having the highest amount of AI-related companies in the city, along with the most hackathons, and a large volume of AI-related jobs within a five-mile radius.
For the first time, the study also took into account the rising demand for tools like ChatGPT, using insights to reveal the cities which have had the biggest growth in searches for generative AI.
The study also compared the AI-readiness of all London boroughs, revealing that Camden, home to University College London (UCL) and University of London, topped the list beating the likes of Westminster, Southwark and Hackney. Kensington and Chelsea, which came last in 2023, rose to position 18, while Bexley came last.
Glyn Townsend, Senior Director of Education Services at SAS for Europe, the Middle East and Africa said:
“AI-ready cities will lead the way in being more resilient, while also meeting new urban living standards, such as meeting sustainability targets, and even making services more accessible to people living with disabilities.
“With 80% of UK organisations struggling to recruit applicants with suitable skills, if they do not have adequate tech talent, businesses face the challenge of how to remain competitive in an increasingly tech-driven world. And if they then cluster in regions and cities with talent, it could risk deeper regional inequalities. All cities need to be prepared to play their part - addressing digital and data literacy gaps, securing support to apply for investment, and ultimately, helping drive the future economy.
“With the announcement from the new Prime Minister that Metro Mayors and devolved government will be tasked with creating 10-year growth plans, with an emphasis on economic growth including localised actions for skills creation, it is critical that consideration is given to what skills should be prioritised to ensure maximum return on investment and alignment to rapid anticipated future economic growth, current talent needs and future innovation.”
