​ Benedict Macon-Cooney

tony blair institute

The Research and Applied AI Summit (RAAIS) is a community for entrepreneurs and researchers who accelerate the science and applications of AI technology. In the run up to our 9th annual event on June 13th 2025 in London, we’re running a series of speaker profiles to shed more light on what you can expect to learn on the day!

At RAAIS we have a focus on translating cutting edge technology and research into amazing products for real-world problems.

Benedict is the Chief Policy Strategist at the Tony Blair Institute, bringing a wealth of experience from the highest level of government. He began his career as an economist within Her Majesty’s Treasury during the financial crisis. He then spent some time in finance before working on an economic and government transformation programme in a Prime Minister’s Office in Southeast Asia. He also spent time in Rwanda, working in President Kagame’s Office.  

Recently, Benedict spearheaded the influential New National Purpose report series, co-authored alongside Tony Blair and Lord Hague. His writing covers crucial topics such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean technology, appearing frequently in prominent global media outlets.

Benedict is a thought leader at the intersection of policy and emerging technologies, focusing on how governments can navigate the rapid evolution of AI. He advocates for agile regulatory frameworks that enable innovation while safeguarding societal interests, emphasizing AI’s potential to enhance public services, stimulate economic growth, and reinforce democratic resilience.

At RAAIS 2025, Benedict will provide a strategic policy perspective on how AI breakthroughs should be embedded in national and global strategies.