In a recent LinkedIn post, Thomas Lingard shares his observations on a speech given by George Osborne, former Chancellor of the Exchequer and now Head of AI for Countries at OpenAI. Lingard reflects on Osborne’s optimistic outlook regarding AI’s potential to drive economic disruption, drawing parallels to previous technological advancements.
Osborne’s Optimistic View on AI Disruption
Lingard notes that Osborne presented a generally positive assessment of how artificial intelligence is poised to reshape the economy. This perspective, according to Lingard, includes a relaxed stance on the prevailing economic and military influence of the United States. Osborne’s message to businesses was one of proactive adaptation rather than passive waiting for governmental protection.
“A perhaps unsurprisingly upbeat assessment of how AI will positively disrupt the economy just as other technologies did before it.”
As Lingard points out, Osborne acknowledged a significant gap in understanding between policymakers and businesses regarding their respective motivations and actions. He highlighted the necessity for global norms and standards to develop, much like they did during earlier eras of innovation.
Lessons from Historical Innovation
Lingard draws attention to Osborne’s historical analogies, which suggest a path forward for AI regulation and adoption. The development of early banking and finance, which fueled the growth of London as a financial center, and the more recent rise of the internet, both relied on the establishment of global standards. Lingard frames this as a key takeaway from Osborne’s address.
“…global norms and standards will need to emerge just as they have in other periods of innovation from the early banking and finance innovation that led to the growth of the city of London, and the more recent development of the internet which also relies on global standards.”
Concerns Over Downside Risks
Despite the largely positive framing of AI’s potential, Lingard expresses a notable concern: the apparent lack of discussion regarding the downside risks associated with AI development. He specifically points to the risks posed by uncontrollable agentic AI, a technology that major firms, including OpenAI, are actively pursuing.
“But there was little discussion of the downside risks – including catastrophic risks of uncontrollable agentic AI that many of the major technology firms – including Open AI – are in a race to build, and how countries should think about responding to that.”
Lingard suggests that this omission is significant, especially given the rapid advancements and competitive race among tech giants to develop increasingly sophisticated AI systems. He questions how nations should prepare for such potentially powerful and unpredictable technologies.
The Role of the Centre for Future Generations
Concluding his post, Lingard points to the work being done by the Centre for Future Generations (CFG) in addressing these very concerns. He indicates that the CFG has already begun to formulate thoughts on how to respond to the risks of advanced AI, providing a potential resource for policymakers and businesses grappling with these complex issues.
According to Lingard, the insights shared by George Osborne offer a valuable perspective on AI’s economic promise and the historical precedents for establishing global standards. However, Lingard’s commentary underscores a critical need for more comprehensive dialogue around the profound risks, particularly those associated with advanced and potentially uncontrollable AI systems.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Thomas Lingard on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →