Part of 2. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 2:42 pm on 7 March 2018.
I do. I'd argue that now, more than ever before, businesses, and particularly higher education, are working more closely than they ever have done, and I'd point to an abundance of examples right across Wales where that is the case. Just today, I'm pleased to be able to share with Members the news that the advanced manufacturing research institute is being given planning permission in Broughton. We'll be spending a not-inconsiderable sum of money in developing that particular facility, but it will bring in significant private sector investment and also higher education investment. In doing so—in bringing together business with Welsh Government activities and with higher education research—we expect that institute to deliver something in the region of £4 billion of improvements in gross value added to the Welsh economy. That's a hugely significant investment, therefore, for Welsh Government to make. I think it demonstrates how smart investment that brings together business, large and small, with academia can bring about very rich fruits indeed for the economy.