The UK is in a position to lead the world in agent-based AI, what Salesforce calls the third wave of AI innovation.
This comes from Salesforce’s new UK AI Readiness Index, which highlights the UK’s above-performing G7 average performance in AI adoption and identifies key opportunities for improvement, including supporting small businesses, fostering partnerships and upskilling people. There is.
The report found that both the UK public and private sectors are embracing the transformational opportunities presented by AI.

“The Salesforce UK AI Readiness Index highlights the UK’s strong position to lead the next wave of AI innovation,” said Antony Walker, deputy CEO of techUK.
“Over the next year, new productivity tools such as AI agents could bring real productivity benefits to businesses. To build on this progress, government and industry must work together to foster innovation and help small and medium-sized enterprises. We need to support businesses, invest in skills, ensure flexible regulation and strengthen the UK’s leadership in the global AI economy.”
A strong innovation culture, solid technology investment and “pragmatic regulation” give the UK an advantage over other G7 countries, according to Salesforce research.
The report assesses the UK’s AI readiness across three areas: overall readiness for AI adoption and innovation, government readiness and how AI is used across the public sector, and business readiness. I am doing it.
The UK is ahead at 65.5, compared to the G7 average of 61.2. Government and business preparedness scores are also higher than their respective G7 averages.
At the government level, readiness for adoption and innovation is supported by strong public participation in e-services. According to the report, the UK is seen as a stable and secure environment in which to invest in large-scale IT projects.
The UK has recognized the vitality of AI in today’s economy and has taken steps to integrate AI into government structures. The country’s AI ambitions are in the spotlight with the introduction of the Artificial Intelligence Directorate and hosting the AI Safety Summit.
Additionally, the new government’s proposed risk-based AI Bill serves to underline the UK’s global AI leadership on important issues such as transparency, privacy and security.
When it comes to business readiness, the UK’s score of 52 compares favorably with the G7 average score of 47.8. UK industry is performing well in AI adoption, supported by an increasing priority for AI adoption among small and medium-sized businesses.
Interestingly, UK government readiness is higher than business readiness, indicating that despite various AI policies, this has not fully translated into tangible private sector outcomes in the UK. Masu.
The report also revealed that while the UK is a hotspot for investment, there are moves the UK can take to strengthen its leadership position.
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This includes increasing cooperation between governments, businesses, and academia, as well as building an adaptive regulatory framework to bridge the gap between EU AI law and the US’ more accommodative approach to AI. Included.
Additionally, we can continue to differentiate the UK by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt AI and ensuring sustained and strengthened investment in innovation and research.
One of the most pressing priorities is investing in people and digital skills, and defining a central structure that supports extensive training and development.
Ferial Clark, Secretary of State for AI and Digital Government, said: “These findings are further evidence that the UK is well placed to harness AI, driving innovation, investment and collaboration across the public and private sectors. “It highlights the strength of the UK in its ability to do business.”
“There is a global race for AI and how the UK can use this technology to accelerate adoption across the economy, accelerate growth and build an AI sector that can scale and compete on the world stage. I’m planning on making plans.”