The UK government is expanding its efforts to better understand the structure and growth of the artificial intelligence sector through an updated national survey led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Conducted by Ipsos with support from Perspective Economics, the study seeks direct input from businesses operating across the UK’s AI ecosystem, with findings intended to guide future policy and sector development.
Participation in the survey is voluntary and confidential, targeting senior decision-makers such as chief executives, chief technology officers, company directors, and leaders in AI or data science teams. It focuses on capturing insights into business activities, products and services, and long-term growth strategies, offering a detailed view of how companies are evolving within the sector.
Fieldwork is being carried out between late April and the end of May 2026 through a mix of online questionnaires and telephone interviews. Each session is designed to take 15 to 20 minutes, allowing organisations to contribute structured information without significantly affecting their day-to-day operations.
The initiative reflects a broader policy priority to ensure that government strategies keep pace with rapid advancements in AI innovation and commercialization. By relying on direct industry input rather than secondary data alone, policymakers aim to build a more accurate and current understanding of the AI landscape.
This approach is particularly important given the fast-changing and uneven nature of AI markets. Without up-to-date insights into how firms are growing, what technologies they are developing, and the challenges they face, policy decisions risk being misaligned with industry realities. The survey is therefore intended to provide a stronger evidence base for decisions on regulation, investment, skills development, and overall support for the UK’s AI sector.
