'Devon needs AI skills for growth'

Giving people AI skills is essential for future growth in Devon, a business expert has said.

Ronnie Carter, from the Devon & Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan, said AI was "already reshaping industries".

"Ensuring our regional workforce has the right skills to harness its potential is critical for future growth," she said.

She was speaking at the one-day Lifein AI exhibition in Devonport, Plymouth, which brought together businesses, educators and industry leaders.

Lifein AI organisers said it was a chance to experience the future first-hand, from seeing caring robots to dancing dogs.

Christina Wilkins, founder of branding firm Brand Biscuit Studio, said fostering innovation and growth in the south-west of England was "essential".

"By bringing together businesses, educators and the community, we can support a deeper understanding of AI and its exciting potential to shape our future," she said.

A study by Accenture said that, while 97% of businesses recognised the urgent need to adopt AI, only 15% felt truly AI-ready.

Lifein AI co-organiser Matt Fleming said: "AI is so important to our lives and it's only going to get more sophisticated as we go forward.

"It's going to change how businesses operating efficiencies, but it's also changing everyday lives."

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