Ayesha Bhatti
Ayesha Bhatti is a policy analyst at ITIF’s Center for Data Innovation. Prior to joining, she worked as a data scientist at a technology consulting firm in London. She has an LLB from the University of Nottingham, and an MSc in Computer Science from Birkbeck, University of London. She is also a licensed attorney in the state of New York.
Research Areas
Recent Publications
Submission to the Multi-stakeholder Consultation ‘Future-Proof AI Act: Trustworthy General-Purpose AI’
The AIA came into law on 12th July 2024, triggering several actions by the AIO to ensure streamlined compliance with the new rules. The Center for Data Innovation puts forward six key recommendations to support AI innovation and adoption within the new framework.
Comments to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on the AI Opportunities Action Plan
AI presents a wealth of opportunity for the UK, not only as an economy boosting mechanism, but also as a tool for improving the lives of UK citizens. AI adoption is key to the Action Plan, and the government should take actions that can simultaneously support AI sector growth and AI adoption.
AI Adoption Is Key to the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan
The UK's AI Opportunities Action Plan focuses on sector growth and adoption. The government should encourage lightweight models, invest in industry-academia partnerships, and establish sector centres to support AI uptake across industries.
Labour Should Prioritize Spreading Innovation To Succeed Where the Conservatives Fell Short
Labour aims to revive the UK’s economy by focusing on spreading innovation across all sectors, addressing the nation's productivity challenges through practical measures. By building on existing projects and ensuring the adoption of new technologies, particularly in both high-tech and low-tech sectors, Labour can deliver visible results and drive meaningful growth across the country.
What To Expect for AI From the UK’s New Labour Government
Following the King’s Speech two weeks ago, which outlined the new government’s legislative agenda, three key issues are likely to dominate UK AI policy discussions: AI legislation, boosting the UK’s AI ecosystem, and unlocking AI-driven productivity in the public sector. Crucially, the thread tying these three issues together is Labour’s desire for economic growth, which the UK technology sector should take as a positive step in the long road to homegrown AI innovation.
Four AI Priorities for the EU’s New Political Leaders
Europe's evolving political landscape, marked by recent elections and changing priorities, has significant implications for AI policy. While EU policymakers focus on defense, security, and economic growth, integrating AI could bolster these efforts.
What Does the UK Public Think About AI?
A nationally representative survey of more than 2,000 adults in the UK, conducted by Public First in partnership with the Center for Data Innovation to track how public attitudes and perceptions of artificial intelligence.
Comments Before the UK CMA Regarding Draft Guidance for the Digital Markets Competition Regime
In this challenging world, strong techno-economic cooperation between the United States and its closest allies is all the more critical, but can be undermined by the abuse of digital regulation that ultimately ends up placing undue burdens on American firms.
Two Key Moves The EU’s New AI Office Should Make To Foster Innovation
With the AI Act set to take effect soon, the focus now shifts to implementing this complex legislation. Central to this effort is establishing the AI Office, mandated to coordinate the Act's application, conduct AI safety research, develop Codes of Practice, and address compliance issues. However, there are concerns that bureaucratic challenges could hinder the Office, potentially stalling European AI innovation.
Why the EU Should Look to Estonia to Achieve Its Vision for a Digital Europe
At the start of its digital transformation, Estonia had a GDP per capita of $3,134. By 2022, it was $28,247—an increase of more than 800 percent in less than 30 years. Its journey holds lessons for the EU.
UK Tech Secretary Michelle Donelan Recommits to Innovation But Her Ambition to Achieve Tech Superpower Status May Be Hindered By Her Own Party
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan's recommendations, while commendable, fail to consider the wider context in which UK innovation currently sits, calling into question the feasibility of her plans in one of the most politically charged times of Conservative Party leadership.
Comments to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee on the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill
The Center for Data Innovation submitted comments to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee on its Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill consultation.
Recent Events and Presentations
How Can the UK Encourage the Uptake of AI in the Public Sector?
Watch now for a panel discussion exploring the hurdles impeding the widespread adoption of AI in the public sector and examining actionable steps to empower and facilitate the sector in harnessing the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.
Impact the Future: International Women's Day 2024
Ayesha Bhatti speaks at Impact the Future: International Women's Day 2024 on exploring the importance of open-source development in the pursuit of innovation.