Abstract
The Alvey IKBS programme is the major UK policy for AI of the 1980s. It was stimulated directly by the Japanese Fifth Generation Programme, and represents an attempt to re-establish the previously strong position of the UK in the field. It has been successful not only in strengthening the cadre of academic researchers in the field but also in beginning to foster AI capability in British industry, both in terms of research activity and of heightened awareness and willingness to experiment with applications. The achievements have been considerable, despite some weaknesses in strategy formulation and implementation. Future policies in AI - and in other fields - should be designed so that the lessons of the IKBS programme are exploited. Now, the challenge for the UK in AI is to build upon the success so far.
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