Theme Leaders: Prof Savvas Papagiannidis

The vision of RT1 is to facilitate engagement with diverse stakeholders in the development, adoption, implementation, and realisation of edge AI technologies. The program includes focused activities and initiatives that will create a vibrant edge AI ecosystem throughout the UK by conducting an extensive and multifaceted engagement program involving academic institutions, industrial partners, public organisations, and end-users. Our operational framework, intended to turn our vision into reality, is inspired by the Triple Helix model, which emphasises the collaboration and synergy across academia, industry, and government. By leveraging the strengths and expertise of each sector, we aim to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and address societal challenges. The Hub will co-create technology with stakeholders, and undertake a comprehensive engagement and impact programme to disseminate edge AI technologies to support their practical adoption.

Working with Industry: We will undertake in-depth stakeholder and end-user engagement in selected sectors to gather input and insight on real challenges and opportunities related to edge AI adoption. Through co-design and meaningful inclusion involving stakeholders and users as equal partners, we will ensure that robust and fair solutions are identified. We will develop fundamental edge AI solutions and concepts (RT2, RT3, RT4) to address the identified barriers and challenges and encourage sustainable collaboration and innovation. Once preliminary development is complete, we will implement the technologies produced in user-inspired application-driven validation (RT1), considering factors such as feasibility, user feedback, and potential impact. The process of benefits realisation management will be followed, recognising that varied requirements, structures, processes and cultures. Developing use cases and stakeholder analyses will evaluate data quality and completeness, proposing ways forward for organisations to innovate in a responsible manner.

Engagement for Impact : The Hub aims to engage stakeholders to achieve wider dissemination and diffusion of edge AI. The Hub aspires to facilitate technology transfer and commercialisation, provide skill development programs and internships, collaborate on policy development and implementation, offering regulatory support and guidance, seeking industry feedback on policies and regulations, and promote industry-driven initiatives and programs. In this regard, the Hub strives to advance responsible use of edge AI, address societal challenges, and accelerate the adoption of solutions for sustainable development and economic growth.