Impact of digital technologies on the Welsh economy and future workforce examined

The future of work in Wales in light of the digital revolution is the subject of a major review.

Professor Phillip Brown of the School of Social Sciences will be leading the panel, which will examine advances being made in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, internet of things and large scale data, investigating how they will affect the Welsh economy in years to come.

The Panel of Digital Innovation for the Economy and the Future of Work in Wales will present final recommendations in March 2019.

As well as assessing the impact of new technologies, the panel will discuss how advances in the use of data could be exploited and the emerging fields where Wales could gain a competitive advantage.

Professor Brown said: “The world of work is quickly changing; new technologies present exciting opportunities but they are not without their challenges either. Competition is becoming fierce and it’s vital that we act now to ensure Wales isn’t left behind.

The review will contribute to the Welsh Government’s Economic Action Plan, the Employability Plan and the National Strategy: Prosperity for All.

Economy Secretary, Ken Skates said: “There is no doubt that the  scale and speed of the changes facing Wales in the fourth industrial age represent significant challenges but they also provide us with  huge opportunities. Our Economic Action Plan sets out our commitment to supercharge the industries of the future and this means ensuring  that Wales is best placed to capitalise on the next phase of digital innovation in  a co-ordinated and effective  way , not only by future proofing the skills of our workforce but also by driving innovation and supporting new employment opportunities.

“The findings of our review into Digital Innovation will help us to harness the opportunities ahead and drive prosperity in communities right across Wales and I am delighted that Professor Phillip Brown has agreed to lead this important work.”