Roughly £2bn could be generated for Staffordshire’s economy through the council’s ‘responsible adoption’ of artificial intelligence (AI).

The county council predicts that the funds could be generated by 2030 through plans to support businesses in the uptake of new technologies, as well as promoting the development of workforce skills and boosting productivity in key sectors.

As detailed in its new report, the local authority is seeking to become ‘the intelligent heart of the country’ through its use of AI, which will involve delivering the necessary digital infrastructure and partnerships required to enable wider AI integration.  

In a statement today, the council outlined sectors with opportunities for AI adoption, such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, construction, health and social care, digital industries, and energy.

Part of the plans include providing small and start-up businesses with increased AI support. They will see the rollout of new support programmes and AI-related training through the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, with the goal of driving productivity and innovation.

According to the council, additional proposals have been put forward for a Virtual AI Skills Academy that will aim to deliver enhanced careers advice and training. This would help to upskill people for jobs and allow for targeted support to be offered to groups with the greatest risk of digital exclusion, the statement confirms.

To speed up the adoption of AI, the report says Government investment is key, explaining its role in unlocking better access to skills and growth funding.

Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said that he is striving for ‘Staffordshire to be at the forefront of AI adoption’.

He added: ‘AI is here now, and we need to move at pace. That means giving Staffordshire businesses practical support to adopt it and making sure our residents have the skills to benefit from the jobs and opportunities it will create.

‘I want Staffordshire to lead, not follow. With the right ambition and investment, we can unlock growth, create opportunities and make this county an even stronger place to invest and do business.’

The county council’s Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee are set to discuss the AI Business Case on Tuesday next week, prior to its consideration by cabinet members later in the year.