Wales attracts high-tech firms

Speaking to delegates a the SPIE Europe seminar on optics and photonics, Rhodri Morgan said that networking and promoting business opportunities are things that Wales excels at, due to its small size.

These will help Welsh businesses benefit from innovation in our universities, turning cutting-edge ideas into commercially viable products

Rhodri Morgan

First Minister

He also claimed that Wales can make decisions quickly, cutting the amount of red tape which is involved in business and proving attractive to inward investment.

The Minister also pointed out that the nation will benefit from European Convergence programmes such as the Knowledge Exploitation and Technology Transfer projects.

He explained: "These will help Welsh businesses benefit from innovation in our universities, turning cutting-edge ideas into commercially viable products and equipping key academic staff with commercial and innovative skills.

In addition, Mr Morgan drew attention to the Technium network, centres which are spread through Wales and provide incubation and business support services, while maintaining links to academia.

Since the opening of the first Technium centre, in October 2001, the network has grown to a total of eight, including one base opening at Swansea University and another at electronics firm Sony’s facility at Pencoed in Bridgend.