The programme was a reaction to the Japanese Fifth Generation project, which aimed to create a computer using massively parallel computing/processing.
The programme was not focused on any specific technology such as robotics, but rather supported research in knowledge engineering in the United Kingdom.
[2] In October 1981, a Department of Industry mission to Japan consisting of academics, civil servants and business representatives explored collaboration opportunities and attended the Fifth Generation conference.
[3]: 16–18 In response, a committee was created and was chaired by John Alvey, a technology director at British Telecom.
[4] The programme's fundamental goal was the improvement of the advanced information technology in the UK to address the declining performance of this sector.