Expert systems in business: a British perspective

In the early 1970s, research into Artificial Intelligence (Al) in Britain was almost wiped out following the publication of an unfavourable report to government. In the 1980s, Al emerged from obscurity with Expert Systems as its leading edge and has now become the focus of considerable activity with an ever‐growing volume of practical applications developed or under development in British industry and business. This paper reviews the growth of business interest in Expert Systems from a British perspective and surveys the principal work carried out to date. Technical issues highlighted by this work are considered and prospects for future development are discussed.