02. AI that augments, not replaces
The Problem
There’s a version of the AI future where every cognitive task is automated. In that world, social mobility stops. Capital, compute, and control over AI become more valuable than any human skill. Even outlier talent becomes obsolete. That isn’t a future most people in the UK want - with 91% of the UK public saying fairness should be prioritised over innovation speed.
There’s a better version of the future, though. AI tools that help electricians diagnose complex faults faster, tools that help teachers spot which students need extra support. These applications extend what people can do, and make them better at their jobs. Expertise then actually becomes more valuable.
The dystopian version isn't inevitable: policymakers can help steer us towards better outcomes.
91% of the UK public say fairness should be prioritised over innovation speed
What we want
Government needs an active strategy to protect human involvement in the things that matter most. The government should consider a strategy that promotes human involvement in:
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Tasks involving interpersonal relationships and trust
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Tasks involving ethical sensitivity and moral judgement
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Tasks involving creative originality and artistic expression
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Decisions with significant consequences for human life, health and safety
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Complex, novel problem-solving in changing environments
More work is needed to define exactly which tasks should stay off-limits. But we need a strategy to promote augmentation over automation which includes different policy levers like procurement, regulation, tax, such as equalising capital gains and income tax.