Interview: Philip Colligan, CEO of Raspberry Pi Foundation – Why Coding Still Matters in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, from chatbots answering our questions to the autocomplete features in everyday software. As AI systems develop the ability to generate code based on users' prompts, some are beginning to question whether it's still necessary for young people to learn how to code.

Philip Colligan, CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, argues that learning to code is more important than ever. He warns that the changing narrative around coding—in a world where AI can now write code—might lead schools to undervalue the deeper skills coding teaches. "There are people out there right now making the argument that kids shouldn’t learn to code, and I think one of the reasons they’re doing it is they’re selling products," Colligan says. He emphasizes that coding is not just about writing instructions for computers; it's about equipping young people with problem-solving skills that will help them use and create new technologies.

In the UK, there's an ongoing challenge around tech education. Many teachers don’t have formal computer science backgrounds, and some schools, especially those with fewer resources, struggle to provide robust computing lessons. Colligan stresses that governments need to invest in teacher training so educators can keep up with technology's rapid evolution.

“We need to think about how technology is infused right across the curriculum – and that’s one of the biggest challenges over the next few years.”

Philip Colligan, Raspberry Pi Foundation

Encouraging students to see the real-world applications of coding and computing can make technology careers more accessible and appealing—especially for girls and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Colligan believes that integrating computer science and AI literacy into every subject, from geography to the arts, will not only prepare children for the future but also help tackle issues of diversity in the tech industry.

While AI can automate the task of writing code, Colligan points out that programming is fundamentally about problem-solving and creativity—qualities that require human involvement. He cautions against relying exclusively on AI-generated code, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations that only humans can bring to technology development. According to Colligan, ensuring that children continue learning to code is vital: "The kids who learn to code will be the ones who shape the future that we all live in."