Technology Industries

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 1:34 pm on 3 November 2021.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 1:34, 3 November 2021

Well, of course, we do have clusters of advanced technology and advanced manufacturing in different parts of Wales, and in the south-east we've already got a cluster that is based around compound semiconductors, and I mentioned that in response to John Griffiths. We've also got an emerging fintech cluster in the southern part of Wales as well, recognised by the UK Government as well as a potential significant growth area. And it does point out what we can do if the Welsh Government works alongside businesses, as we have done, and works alongside further and higher education, to provide the skills that people will need as well. And life science is, again, another area where we're seeing significant growth—you mentioned examples in your own contribution. That is partly because there is excellent opportunity available within the UK, but, in particular in Wales, the design of our healthcare system is something that is very attractive, in having whole-health organisations, primary and secondary care, in the same organisation. That's been a really important factor in people choosing to invest here, together with the way we have design decisions that bring partners together, much more in co-operation and collaboration than in competition. So, I look forward to seeing that realised in the way that we've deliberately constructed a system to take advantage of that, with consistent policies over the last 20 years.