During her speech today, Theresa May set out the four missions of the modern industrial strategy, including the use of data, AI and innovation to transform the diagnosis of diseases like cancer and dementia, and help improve medical advancement to 2030.

John Loder, from the Health Lab, at Nesta, the UK’s innovation foundation, comments:

"We welcome the focus on innovation which the Prime Minister outlined today in her speech on the Industrial Strategy. In particular, Nesta supports the commitment to use data, AI and innovation to transform diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer and dementia, while respecting individual privacy and confidentiality.

The impact of AI is likely to go far beyond diagnostics, and to transform many areas of healthcare, one where it could empower patients and make the healthcare system more sustainable. Done badly, it could be unsafe and take control away from patients and doctors, running the risk of creating an inhuman system.

To maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of AI means engaging patients, disciplined testing in real world conditions, shaping the market, and increasing understanding of the technology. There is now a window of opportunity for the NHS and technology companies to work together to ensure this technology becomes 'People Powered AI'; supporting care that is simple, gives patients control, is centred around an equal dialogue, is accountable and equitable. Nesta is at the forefront of developing effective ways for the public to be involved in this process, and has published a report ‘Confronting Dr Robot: Creating a people-powered future for AI in health' which sets out the key principles which the UK must now follow to ensure AI works to benefit patients and the NHS alike.”