The UK and Canada have signed a dual set of agreements that cement their collaboration on science and innovation while laying out a new agreement on AI computing – one of the fundamental building blocks that sit at the heart of how AI is used and developed.
Signed by Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Canadian Minister for Innovation, Science, and Industry François-Phillippe Champagne in Ottawa, the Memorandum of Understanding on Compute is the latest step in the UK and Canada’s efforts to collaborate on AI research and development.
At its core is a commitment to explore how both countries can support researchers and industry with secure and affordable access to computing capacity, which is needed to drive the training and use of AI systems on both sides of the world.
This includes examining opportunities for collaborations on areas of shared strategic importance, such as biomedicine, and working with like-minded countries on models for collaboration on compute capability.
How compute technology will drive science and innovation
Compute is a vital component in the development of AI, enabling a wide range of tasks from processing data to training the latest wave of AI models, making access to computing power increasingly essential.
Given the rapid development of technology, access to compute power is also a vital tool in conducting state-of-the-art research.
The agreement also highlights the importance of close collaboration on sustainability in compute, particularly given the significant resources which are required and the subsequent need for improved energy efficiency and measures which will work to reduce associated carbon emissions and environmental impacts.
In marking the new partnership on compute, the UK and Canada have also planned to explore collaboration opportunities on areas of shared importance like climate research and biomedicine.
Strengthening UK and Canada ties
Alongside today’s agreement on compute, the UK and Canada have also signed a refreshed partnership to further strengthen wider collaboration on science and innovation.
This agreement identifies several key technologies such as quantum, AI, semiconductors, engineering biology, and clean energy technology, where the UK and Canada will redouble efforts to foster research and bring innovative new solutions to market to help tackle shared global challenges.
An additional focus on scientific diplomacy will see both countries exchanging expertise on issues such as international standards, governance and regulation of new technologies, helping to inform discussions with international forums such as the G7 and G20.
UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan said: “The UK’s unique partnership with Canada across science, innovation, and technology is built on a shared desire to be an active force for good on the global stage.
“Today’s agreements deepen that relationship even further, as we commit to working side-by-side to address the defining technological challenges of our generation.”
“Canada and the UK have a deep relationship that encourages collaboration to help both countries thrive,” added François-Phillipe Champagne, Canadian Minister for Innovation, Science, and Industry.
“Today’s Memorandums of Understanding on scientific research, innovation, and AI compute will drive positive impacts across all fields of research and innovation, help businesses accelerate commercialisation, and link our leading researchers together.”
The UK and Canada represent a joint global powerhouse, with combined economies worth £4 trillion.
The refreshed collaboration on science and innovation agreed upon today re-enforces the joint commitment to work hand-in-glove across science, innovation, and technology.
