How can Wales harness artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to carve out its own opportunities, build on its unique strengths and develop a competitive advantage rather than simply follow what everyone else is doing?
That is the central question behind a new AI, Tech & Innovation section being launched by Business News Wales, designed to explore how Wales can make the most of the opportunities presented by technological change.
Rather than simply following global trends in AI adoption, the new platform will encourage a wider conversation about where Wales can genuinely lead, how emerging technologies can complement its existing industrial and economic strengths, and what new opportunities could be created by taking a more distinctive approach.
Supported by a dedicated industry newsletter and regular podcast series, the section will also help businesses understand and harness the practical benefits of AI, showcasing the latest tools, techniques and innovations that can improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Through accessible articles, expert interviews, practical examples and demonstrations of emerging technologies, the section will help businesses understand how they can begin using AI and digital tools, regardless of their size, sector or existing technical expertise.
The ambition is to bridge the gap between technological innovation and everyday business application, helping more Welsh companies move beyond simply hearing about AI to understanding how they can use it to deliver measurable benefits.
At the same time, the section will explore a wider economic question: how can Wales use AI and emerging technologies to build on its particular strengths in areas such as advanced manufacturing, compound semiconductors, cybersecurity, life sciences, energy and the creative industries?
With smaller nations increasingly seeking to establish themselves as centres of technological innovation, Business News Wales wants to encourage a conversation about how Wales can develop its own competitive advantages, rather than simply replicate the strategies being pursued elsewhere.
It will also showcase the businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers and organisations leading innovation across Wales, providing greater visibility for their achievements, expertise and the technologies they are developing.
A dedicated industry newsletter will bring together the latest news, tools, developments, research and opportunities, while a regular podcast series will feature conversations with industry leaders, innovators and experts exploring the technologies and ideas shaping the future.
The launch builds on the first Business News Wales AI, Tech & Digital Editorial Board, held at Aberthaw in September, which brought together representatives from technology businesses, innovation organisations, industry networks and the public sector.
Participants included representatives from CSconnected, Cyber Wales, Perago, de Novo Solutions, Vantage Data Centers and the Welsh Government, alongside other individuals working across Wales’s technology and innovation landscape.
The discussion explored the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption, digital transformation, skills, infrastructure and investment, alongside the importance of helping businesses understand and benefit from technological change.
Insights from the Editorial Board will help inform ongoing coverage, identify emerging opportunities and highlight areas where greater awareness, collaboration and practical support could help Welsh businesses adopt new technologies.
Businesses, technology companies, innovators and industry experts interested in sharing developments, demonstrating new tools, contributing insight or raising their profile through the new section are encouraged to contact the Business News Wales team.
Mark Powney, Managing Director of Business News Wales, said:
“Artificial intelligence presents an extraordinary opportunity for Wales, but I think we need to ask ourselves a much bigger question than simply how quickly we can adopt the latest technology.
“How can Wales use AI to do something different? How can we play to our strengths, create new opportunities and develop advantages that other nations may not have?
“We are a small, well-connected nation with some exceptional businesses, research institutions, universities and industry expertise. We should be asking how we can bring those strengths together and use emerging technologies to achieve things that might not be possible elsewhere.
“There is a danger that the conversation around AI becomes focused on trying to keep pace with what other countries are doing. Of course, we need to learn from others, but I believe Wales also has an opportunity to develop its own approach, one that reflects our economy, our industries and the strengths of our business community.
“At the same time, we must not lose sight of the immediate opportunities for businesses. There are already AI tools and technologies available that can help companies save time, reduce costs, improve productivity and become more competitive.
“For many businesses, the challenge is knowing where to start, which tools are worth exploring and how to introduce them in a way that delivers genuine value.
“We want this new section to help answer those questions. We will showcase the latest tools, share practical techniques, highlight real examples of businesses using AI successfully and give organisations access to the knowledge and expertise that can help them take their next steps.
“We also want to celebrate the people and organisations leading innovation across Wales. There is some remarkable work taking place in our technology sector, but too often those achievements are not visible enough to the wider business community.
“By bringing together the latest developments, practical business applications and the expertise of those leading the way, we want to create a platform that helps Wales better understand its opportunities and encourages more businesses to take advantage of them.
“Ultimately, our ambition is not simply to report on the growth of AI and technology. It is to help Wales discover what it could become by using these technologies differently, more intelligently and in ways that build on the strengths we already have.”
The AI, Tech & Innovation section forms part of the wider evolution of Business News Wales, which is developing a network of regional and industry-specific news platforms supported by original journalism, industry engagement, podcasts and evidence-led insight.
Businesses, innovators and organisations wishing to share news, showcase AI tools and technologies, contribute expert insight, participate in future podcasts or explore opportunities to support the AI, Tech & Innovation section can contact the Business News Wales team.
