MIKE HEDGES MS ASKS FOR GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON HOW THE WELSH GOVERNMENT WILL PRIORITISE MEDICAL RESEARCH WITHIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

MIKE HEDGES MS ASKS FOR GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON HOW THE WELSH GOVERNMENT WILL PRIORITISE MEDICAL RESEARCH WITHIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

Speaking after the Senedd Business Question time , local Swansea East MS Mike Edges said…. ‘ clearly medical research is a big part of the future of Economic Development in Wales. Other cities around Europe such as Aarhus in Sweden have shown the way that close cooperation between Universities and new technology sectors can lead regeneration and economic renewal.

A similar example exists within the SA1 Development of my Constituency where several new businesses have grown up working in partnership with Swansea Met Universities who have campuses in the area. Such partnership working can also lead the expansion of the life sciences industries.

I welcome the Government statement and will continue to press for Welsh Government support for this vital sector of the economy.

Mike Hedges MS – The second is on developing the life sciences industry in Wales. Recently, the cross-party group on medical research produced a report on how medical research benefits the people of Wales. The statement I’m asking for should outline how the Welsh Government will prioritise medical research within economic development, and how there can be increased collaboration between the NHS, Welsh universities and industry to grow this very important industry.

Lesley Griffiths MS – In relation to life sciences, Members will be aware of the Welsh Government’s innovation delivery plan, which was launched I think about a month ago, and that contained a commitment to develop a life sciences policy statement with clear actions to support the development of the sector in Wales to support health and well-being, economy, education and the climate and nature emergencies. I know that officials are currently engaging across the sector to help better understand the challenges and, of course, the opportunities and the priorities across the life sciences sector, as well as the potential actions to overcome challenges.