AI Pioneer Urges UK to Take Bold Steps in Global Technology Race

UK Needs Courageous AI Strategies

Llion Jones, a computer scientist who helped unlock human-like responses in AI at Google, has called on the UK to adopt a bold approach to the technology. He cautioned against trying to match the massive AI operations of the United States and China, often called “hyper-scalers.”

“The current AI chatbots are too sycophantic,” Jones said. “We need systems that can actually challenge and correct users.”

Born in Bangor and raised in Abergynolwyn, north Wales, Jones co-authored the 2017 paper Attention Is All You Need, introducing the Transformer architecture—the foundation for AI systems like ChatGPT that are now reshaping businesses, governments, and daily life.

Exploring the Future of AI

Jones, who is now based in Tokyo as chief technology officer of Sakana AI, founded the company with a former Google colleague. Sakana AI focuses on speculative, forward-looking AI research—a contrast to larger firms that prioritize monetizing existing large language models.

“We aim to create an environment where researchers have the freedom to explore,” Jones told BBC Wales. “Protecting that space is critical for innovation.”

He emphasized that the UK government, in both Cardiff and Westminster, must acknowledge that the U.S. and China currently dominate the global AI race. Rather than competing directly, Jones suggested focusing on differentiated, high-value research that leverages unique strengths.

Wales as a Hub for Innovative AI

Jones believes Wales could become a hub for distinct AI research by supporting universities and startups with the necessary resources and freedom to experiment.

“It’s a long-term strategy, but if it succeeds, Wales can rejoin the global AI conversation on its own terms,” he said.

While AI is already widely accessible to consumers on smartphones, businesses across Wales are integrating AI to enhance efficiency and productivity. Recently, Google hosted an AI event with the UK government in Cardiff to showcase practical applications for companies.

AI’s Economic Promise

“AI isn’t a single tool—it has countless applications,” said Business Secretary Peter Kyle. At the event, businesses demonstrated AI on film sets, in everyday operations, and in digital transformation projects.

Kyle noted that AI adoption could significantly boost the economy. “Even a 1% increase in small business productivity could generate £240 billion in economic activity,” he said.

The Welsh government has launched AI growth zones in the north and south of Wales, alongside its AI Plan for Wales. The plan aims to harness AI to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and equip the workforce with essential skills. It includes commitments to public sector investment in AI, ethical guidance, and workforce development.

Infrastructure Challenges in Mid Wales

Expanding AI research requires robust electricity infrastructure to support computing-intensive services. Some parts of Wales currently lack sufficient grid capacity, and planned upgrades have faced local opposition due to new pylons in rural areas.

Stuart George, CEO of Green GEN Cymru, stressed the importance of modernizing the grid to meet future energy and AI needs. “Without reliable infrastructure, businesses cannot decarbonize or grow effectively,” he said. George warned that Wales could “fall behind” in the AI race if infrastructure challenges remain unaddressed.

Fixing AI’s Current Limitations

While focused on future AI research, Jones also addressed limitations of today’s chatbots. He noted that models trained to please humans often respond too agreeably, which can mislead users.

“People love being told they’re right,” he explained. “AI needs to be capable of challenging and correcting users to prevent misinformation and improve outcomes.”

Jones’ comments underscore the UK’s need for courageous, forward-looking AI strategies that balance innovation with practical implementation today.