The Age of Growth: Live in Partnership with IBM

In this live episode of Intelligence Squared's 'The Age to Come' series, hosted in partnership with IBM, Kamal Ahmed leads a dynamic discussion on the future of sustainable, equitable growth in the age of AI. Featuring experts Laura Gilbert (Tony Blair Institute), Lee Ellis (Royal London), and Prashant Jodhia (IBM Consulting), the conversation explores how the UK can position itself as a global leader in AI innovation without falling into the trap of technological hubris. Key themes include the critical importance of public trust, the need for long-term strategic investment over short-term hype, and the transformative potential of AI in public services—illustrated by real-world examples like AI-driven NHS appointment systems and fraud detection in healthcare. The panel emphasizes that success lies not in replicating US or Chinese tech dominance, but in leveraging the UK’s strengths in regulated industries like finance and healthcare through vertical AI adoption. They also stress the necessity of building flexible, resilient business models and fostering internal talent through hands-on AI training, rather than relying on top-down policy mandates. The episode concludes with a call for international collaboration on open-source AI infrastructure to ensure digital sovereignty and global equity in the AI era.