Usman Ikhlaq is Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence at techUK. In 2026, he took part in the Institute for Policy Research's AI Policy Fellowship Programme at the University of Bath, engaging with academics across disciplines to explore key issues shaping the future of AI governance, regulation and adoption.
What is your role and area of expertise?
"I am Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence at techUK, where I lead work focused on the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
"My role involves bringing together technology companies, policymakers and regulators to explore how AI can be deployed responsibly and at scale. This includes contributing to policy discussions around emerging technologies such as agentic AI systems, and the broader policy environment needed to support innovation while maintaining trust and accountability."
Which areas of policy do you work on?
"My work sits at the intersection of technology policy, industry engagement and regulation. I focus on supporting the growth and responsible development of the AI sector, working with industry and policymakers to strengthen innovation, competitiveness, and adoption across the economy."
What value has the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme (PFP) brought to you in your professional role?
"The fellowship provided an opportunity to step back from day-to-day policy work and engage in deeper discussions with leading academics working on AI and public policy.
"The conversations covered a broad range of topics across the AI policy landscape, including governance and regulation, the geopolitics of AI, open-source models, emerging agentic systems and how policymakers can measure the effectiveness of AI policy."
Can you describe your experience of taking part in the PFP?
"During the fellowship I met with researchers from across computer science, management and social policy at the University of Bath.
"Each discussion offered a different perspective on how AI technologies are evolving and the policy implications this creates. The sessions ranged from technical conversations about machine learning and reasoning in large language models to broader questions about labour markets, governance structures and the political economy of AI."
How has taking part in the PFP impacted your policy work?
"The fellowship helped deepen my understanding of several emerging issues that are becoming increasingly important for policymakers and industry.
"In particular, the discussions around agentic AI systems, open-source AI governance and evaluating the effectiveness of AI policy have been especially valuable. These insights will help inform ongoing conversations about how the UK can support responsible AI adoption while remaining globally competitive."
How did you hear about the PFP?
"I was looking for opportunities to engage more directly with academic research on AI policy and came across the programme through a past participant, James Boyd-Wallis.
"The format of the fellowship, bringing together experts from different disciplines for focused discussions, made it a particularly compelling way to explore complex policy questions."
What advice would you give to others – both policymakers and academics?
"Programmes like this highlight the importance of stronger collaboration between policymakers, industry and academia.
"Academic research can provide deeper theoretical and empirical insights that are often difficult to access in fast-moving policy environments. Equally, policymakers can offer practical perspectives on how policy decisions are made and implemented. Bringing these communities together helps ensure that evidence can more effectively inform policy."
Would you recommend the IPR PFP to colleagues?
"Absolutely. It was a very rewarding experience and a great opportunity to engage with leading research while exploring some of the most important policy questions surrounding AI."