The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has welcomed the Welsh government’s finalised Innovation Strategy, following a consultation on its content back in the Autumn of 2022. The strategy outlines delivery ambitions across government departments.

The strategy follows four themes: Education, Economy, Health and Wellbeing and Climate and Nature, with a focus on numerous policy areas such as skills, SME support, funding for research and development, retrofitting and innovation within the transport system.

The mention of the Net Zero Skills Action Plan is especially welcome, as this is a clear challenge within the consulting and engineering sectors.

ACE is now looking forward to seeing the finalised Net Zero Skills Action Plan and working with Welsh government to advance and implement some of the industry-relevant actions.

Similarly welcome are the steps taken to revisit procurement in line with innovation as well as the Welsh government’s plans for innovation in the transport system around battery electric trains, on-demand public transport and road surface innovation.

Olivia Smalley, ACE policy lead in Wales, said: “ACE was pleased to submit evidence as part of drafting the strategy, outlining the views of our members in Wales.

“We welcome the strategy and the focus on creating the conditions for innovation to thrive in Wales. Innovation is a key theme for ACE and its members, and forms a core part of our forthcoming ACE Wales Policy Manifesto.

“However, as with many of the government's recently published policy documents, a clear route map for delivery is lacking, as well as clear timescales and the bodies that will deliver each area of ambition. We will constructively work with government on the next steps, including the promised action plan to accompany this strategy.”

Read the Innovation Strategy in full here.

Read ACE’s response to the Innovation Strategy Consultation here.

Find out more about the ACE Wales Committee and get involved here.