A quiet revolution is taking place in Wales. Artificial Intelligence (AI), once the stuff of science fiction, is quickly becoming a fixture of the Welsh economy, attracting significant investments and reshaping the skills landscape. This technological surge is not just changing how businesses operate; it’s transforming the very fabric of Wales’s economic future.
The £2.5 billion vote of confidence
When tech giant Microsoft announced plans to invest a staggering £2.5 billion in AI data centres across South Wales, it wasn’t just another corporate investment, it was a resounding vote of confidence in Wales’s growing AI ecosystem. This monumental investment is set to create thousands of jobs and solidify Wales’s position as a serious contender in the global AI race.
The decision didn’t come out of the blue. Wales has been quietly building its reputation as a tech hub, with a particular focus on AI and data science. The country’s universities have been churning out top-tier tech talent, while its government has been rolling out the red carpet for tech firms with attractive incentives and a supportive business environment.
Welsh workers: The vanguard of the AI revolution
It’s not just big tech and the government pushing the AI agenda; Welsh workers are taking the bull by the horns. In a striking display of initiative, 62% of Welsh workers plan to fund their own AI training in the next five years, the highest percentage across the UK. This proactive approach to upskilling is setting Welsh workers apart from their counterparts in other areas.
AI is transforming multiple industries, including the real estate, healthcare, and gaming sectors. For instance, the online gambling sector across the globe is leveraging the power of AI for security and fraud detection, customer service and operational efficiencies. But this also extends to the players, as some of the best non-Gamstop casinos for UK players use AI algorithms to tailor games, bonuses, and promotions for players. If you are someone who enjoys live dealer games, AI will show you games you might enjoy that are similar to playing live dealer blackjack, poker, or roulette.
But it doesn’t stop there. At least 59% of Welsh workers intend to retrain and move into more AI-focused roles, significantly outpacing the national average of 40%. This eagerness to embrace AI isn’t born out of fear, but opportunity. Only 32% of Welsh employees worry about AI disrupting their careers in the next year, compared to 49% in London. It seems that in Wales, AI is seen less as a threat and more as a golden ticket to future-proof careers.
Government and industry
The Welsh government is actively responding to the AI revolution by implementing a £7.4 million pilot programme to support AI skills training for SMEs in the Professional Business Services sector. This isn’t just a token gesture, eligible businesses can apply for funding covering up to 50% of AI skills training costs.
This initiative is more than just a financial boost; it’s a clear signal that Wales is serious about becoming an AI powerhouse. By focusing on SMEs, the government is ensuring that the benefits of AI aren’t just limited to big tech firms, but are spread across the Welsh business landscape.
From coal to code
Wales’s embrace of AI is more than just a tech trend; it’s the latest chapter in the country’s ongoing economic transformation. Once known for its coal mines and steel works, Wales is now positioning itself as a hub for cutting-edge technology.
This shift is particularly evident in areas like Cardiff and Swansea, where tech startups are sprouting up faster than daffodils in spring. The Cardiff Capital Region, in particular, is becoming a hotbed for AI innovation, with companies like Amplyfi and We Predict leading the charge.
AI in action: Real-world applications in Wales
While the investment figures and upskilling statistics are impressive, the real excitement lies in how AI is being applied across Welsh industries. In healthcare, AI is being used to analyse medical images and predict patient outcomes. In manufacturing, it’s optimising production lines and predicting equipment failures before they happen.
Take Jellagen, a Pembrokeshire-based biotech company, for example. They’re using AI to revolutionise the way collagen is extracted from jellyfish for medical applications. This isn’t just clever tech; it’s technology that’s creating high-skilled jobs and putting Wales on the global biotech map.
The skills gap
Despite the enthusiasm for AI, Wales faces a significant challenge, the AI skills gap. While Welsh workers are eager to upskill, there’s a shortage of AI specialists to meet the growing demand. This gap is both a challenge and an opportunity.
Universities across Wales are rising to the challenge, with institutions like Cardiff University and Swansea University expanding their AI and data science programs. But it’s not just about formal education. Coding bootcamps and online courses are popping up across the country, offering flexible ways for workers to gain AI skills.
