Initiative to encourage co-operation with important international regions (Agile Cymru)

The Welsh Government’s Programme for Government stresses the importance of giving Wales the strongest possible presence on the World stage. Co-operating with other nations and regions will help to:

• increase the profile of Wales on the world stage;
• grow the Welsh economy;
• position Wales as a globally responsible nation.

Joint working provides opportunities to exchange ideas, identify areas of best practice, extend innovation and competitiveness, and address key issues which transcend borders. We want “an Agile Cymru” that looks outward to existing and future UK, European and international partners; to maximise shared opportunities and address shared challenges.

The Welsh Government’s International Strategy and Action Plan for Priority Regional Relationships and Networks identify the need to enhance collaboration in key sectors and work with regions and networks around the world that share our ambitions. The Welsh Government has Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) or equivalent bi-lateral agreements with several international regions.

North America is an important market for Wales and economic cooperation in areas such as life sciences, compound semiconductors, cyber security, AI, energy transition and the circular economy continue to be a priority.  

There is a Declaration of Intent between Quebec and Wales which has been supported by a Joint Call since 2020, funding bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, life sciences, AI, literature, music and the performing arts. There is the opportunity to widen cooperation through Agile Cymru where it adds value to any Joint Calls. The Transatlantic project aims to facilitate further cooperation between Wales, Quebec and EU regions in the theme of sustainable blue growth, and Agile Cymru could support related activity.

Wales has had a long and close relationship with Japan since the first investments in Wales by Japanese companies in the 1970s. Today Japan offers significant opportunities for Wales in areas such as renewable energy, compound semiconductors, cyber security, medtech and the creative industries. Recognising the importance of Japan to Wales, the First Minister Eluned Morgan has launched ‘Wales and Japan 2025’, a year-long campaign to stimulate new economic and cultural partnerships between the two nations that bring long-lasting benefits to the people of Wales. The campaign will deliver against the core ambitions of the International Strategy and will leverage the EXPO taking place in Osaka this year to reach a wide domestic and international audience. The Welsh Government already has an MoU with the Oita Prefectural Government of Japan, expressing their sincere desire to strengthen relationships in areas such as arts & culture, sport, academia, tourism, and food & drink. 

The Welsh Government is eager to build on the great successes seen throughout the Year of Wales in India. From countless investment events and Wales’ first trade mission to a major cultural fund and over 300 doctors and nurses recruited, the efforts have made a palpable difference which we hope to sustain and strengthen. Economically, and therefore in the context of this initiative, our core focus is on life sciences, compound semi-conductors and advanced manufacturing. We are also passionate about our deep-rooted cultural connections, particularly our relationship with the Khasi people of Meghalaya and the communities of Nagaland. Both states have a great affinity for Wales and both present unique and exciting opportunities for Wales.

Horizon Europe provides a major opportunity for Welsh researchers and innovators to collaborate with the best in the world, attract global talent and carry out cutting-edge science and innovation for the benefit of society. The programme is global, with Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and others taking part.

Agile Cymru supports the ‘seeding’ or facilitating of activity that builds cross-border and international partnerships and increases cooperation in areas that have the potential to lead to greater, more sustained economic activity of significance to Wales. It also recognises the importance of cultural collaboration and the social benefits of working across borders.

This initiative encourages applications from organisations operating in Wales that have the potential to increase and sustain co-operation with important international regions. This might include relations with the regions highlighted above, or other regions if the Welsh Government consider them important in the context of your proposed activity. It might also reflect the themes set out above, in relevant bi-lateral agreements or a relevant and specific Welsh Government strategy. The initiative will support activity and expenditure between 1 April 2025 and the end of March 2026.

A strong proposal will reflect the specific strategic context set out above and:

• supports and builds relevant strategic relations outside Wales
• creates a range of opportunities in a significant area for the Welsh economy
• involves important and relevant organisations or networks
• transfers international knowledge to Wales that will positively impact Welsh policy priorities
• builds on and grows existing activity
• has a clear pathway to bringing in other funding, or another route to ongoing, sustainable economic activity

All applications will need to demonstrate viability and value for money. We would also expect an appropriate contribution to relevant Agile Cymru outputs and outcomes.

There are no fixed grant thresholds, but based on experience the following is a guide:

• For small projects, such as travel, engagement and consultancy, applicants should bear in mind that up to £4,000 per application may be considered reasonable.
• For more strategic projects, such as forming networks, feasibility studies and pilot projects involving significant staff time and materials, applicants should bear in mind that up to £20,000 per application may be considered reasonable. Strategic projects would be expected to meet the ‘strong’ criteria above and have the potential for significant impact.

Applicants can submit projects that deliver co-operation with one or more regions; there is no need to submit multiple applications. The basis for this funding initiative is benefit for Wales, but there is no restriction on the potential partners who wish to deliver that benefit. However, relations with at least one international organisation or network per application would be expected.

This initiative can support up to 100% of eligible costs if justified but Welsh Government may prioritise applications that have lower intervention rates. Funding from another nation or region, or the realistic prospect of such funding being achieved during the project duration, is not a requirement but may be a reason for prioritisation.

The budget allocated for this initiative is up to £50,000 but we will take into account other commitments and underspends at the time of decision. 

Unless explicitly stated in this call, Agile Cymru rules and procedures apply. We will not support general trade activity or product marketing. If the primary focus of activity is export, Welsh Government has specific support available which may be more appropriate. 

Agile Cymru can support cultural, heritage and sporting projects if the activity proposed has the potential to lead to greater, sustained cooperation of significance to Wales. We are unlikely to support individual artists or performances.

Taith, supported by Welsh Government, is an international learning exchange programme established to create life-changing opportunities for people in Wales to learn, study and volunteer all over the world. Agile Cymru is therefore unlikely to support international mobility for education outcomes.

The expenditure can include the activity of non-Welsh partners, provided the costs claimed are incurred by the Welsh partner and value for money can be demonstrated. However, we advise contacting the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru Team at an early stage in the development of your proposal to ensure compliance.

We will not support activity or expenditure after 31 March 2026. 

To avoid unintended consequences and inflexibility, we do not specify a closed list of eligible costs, but costs must be necessary for the promotion, implementation and dissemination of the projects agreed through the application process and written offer of grant. They must be reasonable, verifiable and incurred by the applicant. See the Agile Cymru rules and procedures for more details. We also advise that you focus on larger items of expenditure with a robust evidence trail to simplify the claim process. 

Costs incurred before the date of approval are ineligible unless the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru Team confirms otherwise in writing.

We are open to applications now. If your proposal is not ‘strong’ as defined above, please contact the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru Team before submitting an application. Otherwise, complete the application form and send it to the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru Team at AgileCymru@gov.wales.

Applications will be judged on their fit with the aims of this initiative and Welsh Government will have the final decision. This decision may include offering a lower level of grant than requested. We may seek the advice of relevant specialist and policy colleagues in Wales or in relevant nations/regions. Eligible applications will be dealt with on a ‘first come, first served’ basis but there will be limited opportunity for further clarification and applications that are not considered ‘strong’ as defined in this document may be placed on a ‘reserve list’ to allow opportunities for other applications. Welsh Government will also take a portfolio approach in order to manage the balance of risk and range of outcomes. This will include considering the spread of activities across themes, geography and sectors where it will strengthen the overall outcomes of this initiative. We may therefore place applications on the ‘reserve list’ in order to manage portfolio considerations, or for budgetary reasons.