Llion Jones, a computer scientist who helped pioneer generative artificial intelligence (AI) at Google, has urged the UK to adopt a bolder approach to AI research, focusing on innovation rather than competing with the large-scale AI operations in the United States and China.
Jones, who co-authored the 2017 paper Attention Is All You Need, which introduced the Transformer architecture that underpins ChatGPT and similar systems, is now chief technology officer of Sakana AI, a company he founded in Tokyo. The firm conducts speculative research into future applications of AI, prioritising experimentation over immediate commercialisation.
He said governments in Cardiff and Westminster should recognise that the UK is unlikely to outperform the hyper-scalers in the US and China. Instead, the country should focus on differentiated AI developments. “It doesn’t make any sense to be a part of that race, because you’re not going to win. So, what can you do? You can embrace the idea that you can do something different. And that involves being a little bit more brave,” Jones told BBC Wales.
Jones suggested that Wales could foster an environment where companies and universities have both the resources and freedom to conduct innovative AI research. “It’s a longer bet, but if it pays off then you’re back in the race,” he said.
The potential impact of AI on Wales’ economy is already being promoted. Google recently hosted an event in Cardiff with the UK government to highlight AI’s potential for businesses. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said AI can transform operations by automating routine tasks and boosting productivity. “A 1% increase in small business productivity would generate £240bn worth of economic activity,” he said.
The Welsh government has launched AI growth zones and a national AI plan, aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing public services, and equipping people with the skills to thrive in a digital economy. The plan includes investments in AI innovation, public sector adoption, and ethical guidance for technology use.
However, Jones and industry experts warn that developing AI capabilities will require adequate infrastructure, particularly a reliable electricity grid to support data centres. Stuart George, chief executive of Green GEN Cymru, said mid Wales is currently under-served, and new grid projects are essential to support electric vehicles, home heating, and decarbonisation, alongside AI expansion. He added that political leaders will need to make difficult decisions to ensure the region can compete.
Jones also highlighted a current challenge in AI development: chatbots are often “sycophantic,” agreeing with users rather than offering corrections. “We need to fix that problem, we need to make AIs that can actually disagree with you, and actually correct you,” he said.
As AI adoption grows across business and daily life, Jones believes that taking risks with innovative research and building the necessary infrastructure in Wales could position the region as a leader in the next generation of AI technologies.
