Director Euan Edwards sheds light on the biggest risks to tech and AI policy

With so much focus on tech and AI policy in the UK, we sat down with Flint Director, Euan, to shed light on the most significant risks to tech and AI policy for business.

Tell us about your previous experience.

I recently joined the Policy and Political Analysis team at Flint, having spent over a decade in the UK civil service working on issues at the intersection of tech, industry, national security and geopolitics. Most recently I led the Tech Policy team in the Cabinet Office where I focused on delivering the Prime Minister’s priorities on tech, including harnessing the huge potential of AI through the AI Opportunities Action Plan, as well as shaping the UK’s approach to AI security and regulation, and our engagement on tech with key international partners.

Prior to that, I spent three years at the British Embassy Tokyo leading the UK Government’s efforts to boost technology trade and investment between Japan and the UK, including supporting tech corporates, start-ups and investors to navigate both markets. I’ve also led teams working in government on cyber security, online harms and telecoms infrastructure.

What are the biggest risks to look out for when it comes to tech and AI policy for businesses?

The pace of technological change over recent years has been remarkable and shows no sign of slowing down. Whether through developments in AI, digital connectivity and quantum computing (to name but a few), tech developments are presenting huge opportunities to businesses but also considerable risk as industries are transformed, supply chains disrupted and security vulnerabilities exposed. The strength of views on both sides of the AI and copyright debate illustrates the difficult choices that will be needed. Policymakers are having to be increasingly agile and chart a course that promotes growth and innovation while mitigating a range of potential harms, often breaking new ground in developing policy and regulatory responses.

How do you support clients at Flint? 

I advise clients on issues relating to digital and technology policy and regulation. This includes providing expert policy analysis on emerging issues, identifying risks and opportunities, developing strategies for engagement with decision-makers and equipping clients with strongly evidenced arguments that will maximise the impact of that engagement. 

What’s your advice to business when it comes to managing these changes?

The UK has a pro-tech government and businesses should leverage political ambition in areas including AI infrastructure and public sector transformation, as well as the underpinning role digital and tech will play in the Industrial Strategy. However, headwinds including ongoing tariff uncertainty, US-China tensions, an ever more complex global regulatory landscape and an intensifying cyber threat will need to be managed. In this frenetic environment, proactive planning informed by expert analysis and strategic engagement with policy-makers can offer businesses a competitive advantage and aid in identifying opportunities and minimising commercial risks.