I’m pleased to support the motion that has been put forward today. As has been mentioned, the wheels of the fourth industrial revolution are already in motion. Technological developments such as artificial intelligence and driverless cars have the potential to displace traditional jobs, which has considerable significance for jobs in important sectors here in Wales, such as manufacturing and processing, as we’ve just heard.

I concede that the number of jobs that could be displaced through automation is an ostensible cause for concern. As the motion states, 700,000 jobs in Wales are threatened by automation, and those earning less than £30,000 are more likely to lose their jobs than higher earners. As we discussed in the Chamber recently, 40 per cent of people in Wales are employed in the foundational economy—in manufacturing and processing roles for basic materials—and the majority of these jobs are under threat from automation.

As we face the next industrial revolution, we have two options: to fight against it, as the Luddites fought against the cotton machines of the eighteenth century, or we can innovate to survive, and make the Welsh economy one that benefits from these developments. But there are three things that are necessary to do this. Above all, we must ensure that we look to protect workers and ensure that they have the best chance to make the most of these developments. We must ensure that the education system develops a workforce with the necessary skills to work with new machinery. We must also ensure that lifelong learning opportunities are available to support those who are in roles threatened by automation.

Due to the numbers of people we have employed in these sectors, we have the potential to move with these developments and facilitate expertise in these fields. However, to do this, we need investment and support for companies to develop the necessary infrastructure and skills. As the World Economic Forum has already said, governments must work together to develop business and innovation in the private sector through the development of workforce skills and networks for sharing good practice in the field of innovation. Currently, businesses can take advantage of funds such as SMART and SMART Innovation, which offer grants to develop innovation, but these funds are partly funded through the European regional development fund until 2020. As we leave the European Union, we have to look at the continuation of these vital funds to ensure that companies are able to move with the times.

Finally, we must ensure that businesses are aware of these developments and ensure that they have the equipment to move with the times rather than being left behind. As the manufacturing research organisation EEF has said, only 42 per cent of manufacturing companies are aware of the possible changes that may emanate from automation, and only 11 per cent believe that the United Kingdom is ready for them. We must therefore show the way in Wales by investing in workforce skills development, investing in innovation, and ensuring that our businesses are prepared for these changes.

So, as we look towards the horizon of the fourth industrial revolution, we should not fall into the trap of being pessimistic and fearing a dystopian future. By planning and working with these developments, rather than against them, and by working with employees and businesses, Wales can be at the forefront of these changes, and can light the way for the rest of the world. Thank you very much.