In partnership with The British Science Association (BSA) and The New Statesman, 3M recently hosted a panel debate at Digital Catapult in London, titled ‘Charting the Path Forward: A Call for UK Leadership in AI and Innovation’.

The event brought together industry experts, including Paul Cardno, 3M Global Automation & Innovation Senior Manager, Digital Operations, to discuss AI’s transformative potential for sustainability, workforce development and economic growth in the UK.

Opening remarks were delivered by Sophia Oliphant, Country Governance Leader, 3M UK/I and Philip Young, Director Strategy and External Affairs at Digital Catapult.

The panel also featured Sarah Armstrong, Senior Sales Director – Modern Work & Generative AI at Microsoft EMEA; Hannah Russell, CEO of the British Science Association; and Will Dunn, Business Editor at The New Statesman.

Moderated by former BBC journalist Jane Wakefield, the discussion explored how collaboration, innovation and action can position the UK as a global leader in science and technology. Speakers highlighted 3M’s progress in real-world applications and Microsoft’s role in helping clients drive sustainable solutions. Key topics included the importance of developing AI skills across current and future workforces and ensuring AI opportunities are accessible to all. The panel also addressed the need for regulatory frameworks in the evolving AI landscape.

The event concluded with demonstrations showcasing the latest insight and innovations from 3M and the BSA, followed by a tour of the Digital Catapult Immersive and Sonic Labs. Led by Digital Catapult experts, the tour offered valuable insights into the cutting-edge resources being utilised by the innovation community and industry to develop, test and adopt new products, services and applications.

The full panel discussion is available to watch via video podcast on The New Statesman YouTube channel:  Is the UK ready for AI innovation? | The New Statesman - YouTube