LONDON – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and The Alan Turing Institute, the leading national institute for data science and AI, have announced the extension of their partnership for another five years. The strategic collaboration aims to foster cutting-edge research and development in AI and data science within the UK, paving the way for advancements in various sectors, according to a press release published on EuropaWire.

Under this extended partnership, Accenture Applied Intelligence will lead the initiative to establish a new data and AI engagement forum, conduct research, and develop applications. The partnership seeks to bridge the gap between industry and academia, leveraging their combined expertise to deliver tangible benefits to businesses and society.

Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Amanda Solloway, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing its significance in shaping the future of technology in the UK. She highlighted the importance of equipping the next generation of AI and data scientists with the necessary tools to drive innovation and maintain the country’s leadership in the field.

The partnership will focus on nurturing regional strengths and exploring new opportunities in technology hubs across the UK, including Edinburgh, Manchester, and Newcastle. By fostering collaboration in these emerging hubs, the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of AI and data science technologies in diverse industries.

George Marcotte, Applied Intelligence Lead for Accenture in Europe, stressed the importance of scaling AI technologies within businesses to unlock their full potential. He expressed excitement about continuing the collaboration with The Alan Turing Institute, emphasizing the role it plays in driving economic growth and societal progress.

Adrian Smith, Director and Chief Executive of The Alan Turing Institute, commended the partnership’s track record of delivering impactful research projects. He highlighted the focus areas for the next phase of collaboration, which include developing tools for data management, creating advanced modelling techniques, and leveraging AI for social good.

Since 2017, Accenture and The Alan Turing Institute have collaborated on various research projects, including network analytics for fraud detection and addressing challenges in algorithmic decision-making. The extension of their partnership reaffirms their commitment to advancing AI and data science innovation in the UK.

Over the next five years, the partners will undertake joint research across a wide range of areas, including the creation of tools for secure data sharing, development of interoperable software for digital twins, and applications of AI for enhancing resilience and sustainability.

The extended partnership between Accenture and The Alan Turing Institute represents a significant step towards realizing the full potential of AI and data science in driving innovation and prosperity in the UK. By combining their expertise and resources, the partners are poised to shape the future of technology and create lasting impact across industries.