Governing AI for Collective Wellbeing

Carnegie UK has published a report titled 'Governing AI for Collective Wellbeing'. The publication argues that the UK's current approach to AI governance, described as pro-innovation and sector-led, carries a risk. Specifically, it states that in the absence of a clear home in government for digital social policy, there is a risk that 'AI becomes everybody's priority and nobody's clear responsibility.'

The report's proposed response focuses on existing government mechanisms rather than new structures. It suggests using levers already in government practice, which it identifies as business cases, procurement, assurance and public registers. The publication frames these as tools to be used before reaching for new legislation or new institutions. The publication does not specify how each lever would be applied to AI, or which body would operate it.

The report situates AI governance within digital social policy, a domain it says lacks a clear home in government. Its recommendation is one of sequencing: business cases, procurement, assurance and public registers are presented as levers already in government practice, with new legislation and new institutions positioned as options to be reached for later. The stated concern is that, without an assigned responsibility, AI risks becoming everybody's priority and nobody's clear responsibility across government. The publication does not name a specific department, minister or body that should take on that responsibility, nor does it identify particular bills or institutions that might follow.