Research and development key to economic growth in Wales
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-21)

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens champions the ground-breaking research undertaken in Wales

- Welsh Secretary champions the ground-breaking research undertaken in Wales
- The Research and Development Sector is a vital source of employment in Wales with huge potential for economic growth
- Bangor University among universities at the forefront of Research and Development in Wales and Menai Science Park a home to innovative businesses benefitting from their expertise.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has told leaders in Research and Development that they have a vital role to play in helping to grow the economy in Wales when she met them at Bangor University’s science park M-SParc on Anglesey. The discussion is the latest in a series of roundtable meetings chaired by the Welsh Secretary as part of her drive to deliver economic growth for Wales.

Research and Development leads to the innovation of new products, processes and services and includes academics and businesses working together. The examples seen at M-SParc were championed as good practice.

In Wales the sector is a cornerstone of innovation, and it plays a critical role in shaping the future of industry and enhancing global competitiveness.

Ms. Stevens was briefed on the work being carried out by scientists at the School of Ocean Sciences in the Irish and Celtic Seas. This research brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to work on marine conservation and restoration, aquaculture and fisheries, and marine renewables. She also saw a successful hatchery for native oyster species, which plays a crucial role in UK breeding programmes and restoration efforts.

At M-SParc on Anglesey, Wales’s first dedicated science park, the Welsh Secretary met businesses who are collaborating with Bangor University academics to produce cutting-edge research in the science, technology and innovation sectors.

She saw work being undertaken by MDF Recovery Ltd who have developed an innovative process to recover fibre from waste MDF, which can be reused for new products such as thermal insulation.

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:

The UK Government’s Plan for Change will kickstart the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.

Wales has a thriving Research and Development sector, which is vital for our economy as well as creating innovations which have the power to improve people’s lives.

I want to build on that success and support the sector to create the well-paid, highly skilled jobs that will drive growth the length and breadth of Wales.

Professor Paul Spencer, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Bangor University said:

As a leading research-led institution, we work with industry to tackle today’s societal and economical challenges - from reducing carbon emissions to adapting to the emergence and impact of AI - and we have a track record of translating our research into impact.

The recent Queen’s Anniversary Award for our covid monitoring work offers recognition of the research excellence and has subsequently led to a partnership with a global life sciences company. Our success is built on collaboration, and we welcome the UK government’s commitment to supporting research as a driver of economic growth.

Pryderi ap Rhisiart, Managing Director of M-SParc said:

M-SParc plays a key role in facilitating collaboration between industry & academia. Our core purpose is to deliver economic growth built on the research excellence of Bangor University and our incredibly innovative ecosystem, made up of a range of groundbreaking businesses and pioneers across Wales who, collectively, have the ambition to deliver meaningful economic impact in the region.