The UK government has launched a £200m package of support aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence adoption across the economy, as ministers seek to translate the technology’s promise into higher productivity, stronger growth and new employment opportunities.

The announcement was made at the first national AI Adoption Summit, which brought together technology companies, trade unions and business leaders in an effort to increase the use of AI across key sectors while ensuring workers are equipped with the skills needed to adapt.

The initiative reflects growing concern that many businesses recognise AI’s potential but lack the expertise, confidence or resources to implement it effectively. Ministers argue that faster adoption will be critical if the UK is to maintain its competitive position in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.

Central to the package is a £100m expansion of the government’s Bridge AI programme, designed to connect British businesses with AI developers and provide practical support on implementation, assurance and skills development.

Additional funding will support regional innovation and workforce development. This includes £53m for programmes intended to accelerate AI adoption, £4m to expand the Spärck AI Scholarships scheme and targeted investment in AI Growth Zones to help local businesses deploy the technology and train employees.

The government is also introducing industry-led AI Adoption Plans in sectors including financial services and advanced manufacturing, alongside new AI Advisory Growth Labs where businesses, regulators and technical experts can test applications in real-world environments. Legal services will be among the first sectors involved.

As part of the initiative, Nobel Prize-winning economist Simon Johnson will chair a new AI Economics Institute, which will examine the impact of AI on jobs, productivity and economic growth.

Major technology companies including Google, Microsoft, OpenAI and Anthropic have also signed a joint statement committing to support evidence-based policymaking and responsible AI development in the UK.

More than 30 large employers, including BT, Rolls-Royce, Accenture and EDF, have agreed to share insights into how AI is being deployed in the workplace and how employees are being supported through the transition.

The announcement follows the completion of more than 1.7m AI skills courses through the government-backed AI Skills Boost programme.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the goal was to ensure AI benefits were shared widely across society, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves described AI as one of the central pillars of the government’s growth strategy.

The package represents one of the most significant attempts yet to move the UK from AI experimentation towards large-scale adoption, with ministers hoping to embed the technology across businesses, public services and the wider workforce.