Julie James, Leader of the House and Chief Whip
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Research and innovation in Wales is strong with many examples of national and international impact and success. It is essential that we continue to build on this success, as we respond to the changing UK research context and potential consequences of Brexit.
Today, we have published the Review of Government-funded Research and Innovation in Wales, which was led by Professor Graeme Reid from University College London.
https://gov.wales/topics/science-and-technology/science/reid-review/?skip=1&lang=en
The review provides clear but sophisticated analysis of current and future challenges and opportunities in Wales and across the UK, including an analysis of the strengths, gaps and future potential to sustain and grow strong research and innovation activity across Wales.
We agree that, working across sectors, Government can do more to increase the visibility and influence of Welsh research. We accept all the recommendations in principle, and we will immediately take forward the recommendation on a dedicated London presence to promote Welsh Research and Innovation.
The other two recommendations relate to future resources, beyond existing budgets. We welcome the direction of travel set out in these recommendations, having already committed to accept, in principle, the relevant recommendations from the Diamond Review. We recognise, however, that policy and funding decisions from the newly-formed UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are still emerging and we remain committed to influencing and responding to these changes on behalf of Wales and Welsh research and innovation.
The report has been published during the technical consultation on our proposals for the structure and operation of the new Tertiary Education and Research Commission for Wales so that everyone wishing to contribute can do so with awareness of Professor Reid’s work and recommendations.
I am very grateful for the clarity of the report and its recommendations and would like to thank Professor Reid formally as well as thanking the distinguished panel of his advisers who assisted him in his work.