THE BIG INTERVIEW
machine learning and AI research in a real-world setting for patient benefit. By analysing patient data using AI, clinicians could
anticipate issues and proactively take steps to avoid illnesses, as well as offering ideas for new research areas. “This is a huge area we’re working on at the
moment, and involves academics and clinicians coming together to improve patient wellbeing,” says David. “Digital health is absolutely going to expand – I can
envisage apps in the future that become very much tailored to individual needs. “I’ve spoken to people who have developed
technology in which they can install sensors in a house of an older or vulnerable relative, so if they fall over it sends an instant alert to a family member or community carer. “At the end of the day, it’s data. The more you can
harvest data, the more you can capture it, and this is where AI and data mining can have huge benefits to people’s lives.” David, who has a degree in aerospace engineering
and PhD in mechanical engineering, is keen to point out the handling of patient data meets ethical standards. He also believes having clinicians on board should
help boost the credibility of digital health projects and demonstrates the benefits to patients. “Ultimately, I don’t think we’re ever going back to
what we had before in primary healthcare,” adds David. “Technology is playing an increasingly bigger role in
the medical space via avenues like online GP consultations, and this disruption is going to push people to accept new ways of working – and indeed teaching.”
VLADIMIR PUTIN FAMOUSLY predicted that whichever country leads the way in AI “will become the ruler of the world”. While the key battle takes place between the US and
China, a Tech Nation report found the UK ranked third when it comes to AI venture capital investment, with a record $1.48bn (£1.09bn) raised in 2020. Although the East Midlands lags behind regional
clusters such as London, the South East and Northern Ireland, Tech Nation reported it as the fourth fastest- growing area with a 140% increase in employer demand for AI skills between 2017 and 2019 – well above the national 111% growth average during that period. For cyber security skills, the region is the second
fastest-growing with a 306% rise in employer demand. David believes the East Midlands is well-placed to
meet the growing demand for these skills by tapping into the knowledge and talent pool coming out of the six universities in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. “The current generation of students is very much
digitally-savvy, and our universities have a lot of knowledge in terms of developing start-ups and supporting graduates with new ideas,” he says. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons for the growing
‘The current generation of students is very
much digitally-savvy, and our universities
have a lot of knowledge in terms of developing start-ups and
supporting graduates with new ideas’
AI skills demand in particular, however, is the productivity gains it could bring. Regional productivity is about 15.6% below the
national average – and third lowest in the country – according to the latest PwC UK Economic Outlook report for 2019/20. “We have to improve productivity and that requires
looking at things differently,” adds David. “That’s where digital technologies like AI can play a
big role by automating certain tasks, and opening up time and opportunities for humans to do other things.”
ALLIED TO AI, the internet of things (IoT) is exploding in popularity. This buzzword describes internet- connected devices that can communicate with each other and servers, ranging from smart meters and smart streetlights to augmented reality glasses and soil moisture sensors.
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