A new study from global advisory firm Teneo shows support for artificial intelligence in the UK climbs significantly when the conversation focuses on improving the National Health Service.
A nationally representative poll of 2,004 adults found that baseline support for increasing AI use stands at 45%. However, when participants were presented with a short argument about AI's potential to reduce NHS waiting times and bureaucracy, support jumped to 56%.
Other arguments, including the idea that AI could make people better off, failed to move the needle.
Andrew Feldman, CEO of UK Strategy and Communications at Teneo, noted that practical arguments centered on public service delivery resonate far more than abstract claims about winning a global tech race.
The survey also polled 102 Members of Parliament. Among them, 64% were persuaded by the case for AI improving NHS diagnosis and triage, as well as supporting new treatments for cancer and dementia.
Teneo says the findings highlight a clear gap between the technology sector's confidence in AI and the broader public sentiment.