Innovative Technology

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 2:02 pm on 7 July 2021.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 2:02, 7 July 2021

We're actually looking at digital innovation in manufacturing. We've already created a hub in Wales that we're supporting as well, so we're looking at how this works for different businesses in different sectors. It's also part of the work that we're looking to develop on a properly regional approach to understand what will work in different parts of Wales, and that's about empowering different regions in Wales to make choices together. So, the work that Julie James did in her previous ministerial role in creating joint committees—how that work is overlaid with the work that we've been doing with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on regional economic development as well.

The challenge is to make sure that our ability to invest in those choices being made at the most appropriate level isn't undercut by changes in the way that funding structures work as well. So, there are challenges both for the Welsh Government in what we can do, but also levers that are outside our control and the differences of view we have with the UK Government on how those funding sources to replace European funds are actually used—that will be of crucial importance to make a practical difference to support more businesses and more jobs here in Wales.