Welsh Government
In Wales, the Technology Strategy Board works closely with The Welsh Government, whose innovation priorities include providing a flexible business support and financing system - aimed at attracting inward investment and promoting the development and commercialisation of research.
In April 2009 the Welsh Government identified a number of key priority areas for support, reflecting those of particular importance to the Welsh economy and where Wales is seen to have significant expertise. All of these fit closely with one or more of the Technology Strategy Board’s own priorities.
The identified priority areas are:
- Digital economy/ICT
- Low carbon economy
- Health and biosciences
- Advanced engineering and manufacturing
The Welsh Government has made a number of strategic investments into businesses and universities in Wales, both in buildings and capital equipment and in wider signature projects. These seek to change the Welsh economy to one where sustainable higher added-value goods and services play a more significant part and to help build the infrastructure and skills for a knowledge economy. For further information about the Welsh Government please visit their website.
In April 2010, Professor John Harries was appointed as Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for Wales. The CSA’s role will be to provide scientific advice to the First Minister and the Welsh Government, to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the role of science within the wider knowledge economy.
Welsh Government - support for businesses
The Welsh Government works alongside the Technology Strategy Board, co-investing in and/or helping to deliver a number of important programmes, including:
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships – where Wales has a particularly strong and successful track record, including taking a leading role in introducing the new and shorter KTP pilot programme, which is now proving a good vehicle for many businesses, especially smaller ones, to build effective links with universities.
Collaborative R&D Wales promotes the Technology Strategy Board’s CR&D calls in key sectors to businesses and organisations across Wales. It regularly holds workshops and seminars to bring potential partners together and to build successful consortia. It also provides assistance to businesses with constructing bids.
The Welsh Government also supports large Technology Strategy Board projects where these have a relevance to the Welsh economy. In recent years these have included ASTRAEA and the national micro and nanotechnology centres.
Other support available to businesses in Wales through the Welsh Government includes:
- Help and information for existing businesses and start-ups
- Expert and impartial business advice
- Specialist support – including for innovation and exporting
- Skills development
Further information on the services available to business through the Welsh Government can be found at: http://www.business.wales.gov.uk/
This website provides advice, guidance to business, access to online and downloadable forms to use when dealing with both UK and Welsh Government departments and agencies, as well as a number of interactive tools.