Nearly half of Britons believe the Government is not moving quickly enough to prepare the UK for the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, according to new research from ICS.AI, with the company warning that Britain risks losing ground in the global AI race without stronger leadership.

The State of AI 2026 Survey, which questioned 2,000 UK adults, found that 49% of respondents think the Government is failing to move fast enough to prepare the country for large-scale technological change. Meanwhile, 58% said the UK is not well prepared for AI’s impact on jobs and the wider economy.

The findings suggest that while concerns remain about AI’s disruption, public attitudes are becoming increasingly positive about its potential to improve productivity, strengthen public services and support economic growth.

Economic concerns continue to dominate public opinion, however. More than seven in 10 respondents (71%) identified the cost of living crisis as the UK’s biggest immediate challenge, ahead of the risk of war (16%) and AI itself (13%). Looking further ahead, economic recession was seen as the country’s biggest long-term concern by 29% of respondents, followed by fewer opportunities for young people entering the workforce (20%).

Against that backdrop, many respondents viewed AI as part of the solution rather than another problem. Almost half (48%) said they would prefer AI-powered public services if they delivered faster outcomes, while 40% reported using AI regularly at work and 46% said they frequently use AI in their personal lives.

When asked where AI could deliver the greatest benefit to the UK, respondents most commonly pointed to economic growth and productivity (22%), ahead of improvements in healthcare (16%) and faster, more accessible public services (15%).

The survey also found strong support for greater oversight of AI development. Almost half (49%) said the UK’s priority should be ensuring AI is trustworthy and well regulated, compared with 24% who prioritised developing domestic AI capabilities and 20% who believed affordability and effectiveness should come first.

There was also broad backing for age restrictions on AI tools, with 67% supporting limits for under-16s. Support was even higher among women, rising to 72%.

Martin Neale, founder and chief executive of ICS.AI, said the findings showed the public wanted Britain to accelerate AI adoption while maintaining strong governance.

“Britain has the talent, research capability and ambition to become a global AI leader, but our findings suggest the public doesn’t believe we’re moving quickly enough,” he said.

“People aren’t asking us to slow down on AI. They want AI that helps grow the economy, improves public services and creates opportunities, but they also expect clear leadership and responsible governance.”

The survey coincides with ICS.AI’s proposal for a UK Sovereign AI Charter, which the company says would establish practical principles for responsible AI adoption and help strengthen Britain’s long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence.

The company plans to work with AI businesses, policymakers and industry organisations to develop the charter and explore creating a national action group focused on accelerating AI adoption across both the public and private sectors.

Luke Murphy, MP for Basingstoke, welcomed greater collaboration between government and industry, arguing that responsible governance would be essential if the UK is to capitalise on AI’s opportunities.

“The UK has an opportunity to be a global leader in AI, but success will depend on combining innovation with responsible governance,” he said.

The findings are published in ICS.AI’s latest report, The State of AI 2026: Trust, Readiness and the Public Mandate, which examines public attitudes towards AI in the workplace, public services and the wider economy.