United Kingdom: Technology

The rapid expansion of AI technology is driving unprecedented demand for data center infrastructure, creating complex challenges around power availability, regulatory compliance, and financing structures. As global investment reaches hundreds of billions annually, developers, investors, and hyperscalers are navigating power scarcity, evolving geopolitical frameworks, and the emergence of innovative joint venture models to manage massive capital requirements and project risks.

The aerospace and defence sector faces one of the most challenging decarbonisation journeys in the global economy, yet its advanced technologies are simultaneously enabling critical environmental solutions worldwide. From satellites monitoring deforestation to drones supporting reforestation and autonomous vehicles tracking ocean health, the industry's expertise extends far beyond its own emissions reduction efforts. How can organisations balance the dual imperatives of operational performance and environme

Shadow AI—the use of unapproved artificial intelligence tools within organizations—poses significant risks for legal departments handling confidential and privileged information. This article examines how legal teams can identify shadow AI usage, understand the regulatory and ethical implications under frameworks like the EU AI Act, and implement governance strategies that balance innovation with compliance and data protection.

As artificial intelligence reshapes professional services, four critical competencies emerge as essential for legal practitioners and consultants navigating the 2026 workforce landscape.

As AI agents rapidly transform enterprise workflows, AlixPartners' analysis of 500+ software companies reveals which businesses face existential disruption and which possess defensible competitive moats. The research identifies two critical protective factors—vertical and data specialization—that separate category winners from companies at severe risk of obsolescence.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has published a discussion paper examining agentic AI systems that autonomously plan, decide, and act on behalf of consumers across multiple services. The paper identifies potential competition law risks including algorithmic collusion, abuse of dominance through agent preference, consumer manipulation, and market concentration concerns that may trigger new enforcement actions under existing and emerging UK regulatory frameworks.

The Advertising Standards Authority has issued new guidance addressing the emerging challenges of AI-generated content and deepfake technology in advertising.

The UK government has launched a consultation on safety principles for automated vehicles, seeking input on regulatory frameworks that will govern self-driving technology on British roads.

The UK government has committed £19 million to advance space technologies, with £10 million allocated to Space Forge for developing reusable heat shield technology that could enable commercial microgravity manufacturing.