Can I refer back for just a moment, Dirprwy Lywydd, to the previous debate? Whilst I agree wholeheartedly with all the sentiments so eloquently put forward by Lee Waters, and, indeed, by all the other contributors, we must not forget that the public sector funds that will form the basis of the foundational economy can only be provided by a strong, industrial-based economy in Wales, which leads me on to my contribution to this present debate. 

The future of industry in Wales is at a crossroads, and the decisions we make now will drastically change the Welsh economy for better or for worse. Do we embrace the new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and potentially reap the financial rewards? Or do we risk falling behind those nations that are already embracing this technology? This is why it is imperative that we, in our position of responsibility, set the foundations for those new businesses to thrive, while ensuring that workers and established businesses have the support needed to embrace this new technology, thus ensuring no-one is left behind in Wales.

One of the biggest and most understandable fears of people faced with the introduction of new technology, such as artificial intelligence, is the threat of job losses. This is particularly so amongst low-skilled workers. Future Advocacy predicts that the proportion of jobs at high risk of automation by the early 2030s varies from 22 per cent to over 39 per cent. David Hagendyk, the director for Wales of the Learning and Work Institute, highlights this fear, stating that

'low-skilled workers will be the most affected by automation and artificial intelligence'.

However, the threat of job losses could, if handled properly, create a golden opportunity, an opportunity to upskill and retrain workers in skills that could not only accelerate the creation of new jobs, but could also gradually create a better quality of life, not only for themselves but for their families and communities too. Although the process of training these workers in unfamiliar and technical roles may initially be a costly exercise, it will prove to be hugely cost-effective in the future by safeguarding jobs and introducing a new and better skilled workforce. It is also the perfect opportunity to call upon the experience of already-existing tech and cyber companies, whilst utilising the expertise present in our world-class universities. With the help of these institutions, companies and industries venturing into automation can gain valuable training and insight. This will have the added bonus of keeping the training within Wales itself.

The opportunity to upskill and train cannot be limited to the current workforce. We, as law and policy makers, have a duty to prepare the next generation of Wales's workforce. It has been estimated that 65 per cent of children who entered primary school in September will end up working in job roles that are yet to exist. By failing to invest in them today, we risk jeopardising not only their future, but also the future of Wales, as high-tech companies may be forced to look for suitably qualified employees outside Wales. Whilst it is true that the decisions to create employment and bring new and exciting industries to Wales may be beyond our immediate control, we can, by developing and nurturing new skills in future generations, encourage industry to view Wales as the destination for innovative business.

In order to enable these future students to reach their full, unrestricted potential there needs to be a major change in both the curriculum and the environment in which these children are taught and brought up. In our committee's research, a number of expert witnesses, such as Dr Rachel Bowen, supported the findings of the Donaldson report, suggesting that if the Donaldson report was implemented properly, it could create learners who are fully equipped to deal with the challenges of the twenty-first century. It is our duty to ensure that future workers leave education with the skills to cope in a working environment that will be evolving and changing at a pace never before experienced.

It is our committee's view that the future of Wales's economy relies heavily on the Welsh Government's ability to embrace these new technologies and create an environment where there is an unparalleled opportunity for the existing workforce to upskill, and an education system that will equip future generations with the requisite skills and ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment. Diolch.