The UK has a unique opportunity to lead the world in safe, ethical healthcare AI, but doing so will require putting the public voice at the heart of the ecosystem. The recently published report, “Generative AI in Healthcare as a Driver of Economic Growth” by Healthcare UK, outlines how the UK can leverage its health data, clinical expertise, and innovation to establish global leadership in healthcare AI.

Haris Shuaib and Robin Carpenter from Newton’s Tree were proud to contribute to the report, helping shape recommendations for building an AI ecosystem that is both impactful and trusted. As the report notes:

“Stakeholders identified the potential for the UK to establish global leadership in creating trusted AI ecosystems through transparent governance frameworks, meaningful public involvement, and clear benefit-sharing mechanisms. This expertise could become an exportable asset, positioning the UK as the global centre for ethically-implemented healthcare AI that maintains robust public support.”

A central finding of the report is the importance of securing public trust through transparency, co-production, and patient empowerment. As the report states:

“Creating global competitive advantage through transparent governance frameworks and meaningful public engagement, establishing the UK as the standard-bearer for ethically implemented healthcare AI.”

The report also sets out several actionable proposals for the UK to strengthen its position in healthcare AI, including establishing the UK as the Premier Evidence Generation Hub, implementing a Focused Model Development Strategy, strengthening the UK’s role as a Leading Healthcare AI Conformity Hub, and developing Adaptive Risk-Based Regulatory Approaches for Generative AI. These proposals provide a roadmap for guiding investment, governance, and innovation in ways that can secure global leadership while maintaining public trust.

The report demonstrates that the UK not only has the technical and research capabilities to lead in healthcare AI but also the opportunity to do so ethically and, if done well, with strong public support. By combining expertise, data, and transparent governance, the UK can establish itself as a global exemplar for responsible, impactful, and trusted healthcare AI.

The report was produced by a team of leading experts, including Dr Keith Grimes, CEO and Founder of Curistica Ltd; Haris Shuaib, CEO of Newton’s Tree; Robin Carpenter, Head of AI Governance and Policy at Newton’s Tree; Youssof Oskrochi, Head of Safety at Curistica Ltd; and Madhukar Bose, Head of Digital Health at Healthcare UK.

📢 Read the full report here.

‍