PLAID CALLS FOR NATIONAL INNOVATION BODY

Plaid Cymru has announced that it will create a ‘National Innovation Body’ to double Research and Development in Wales. Leanne Wood, Plaid Cymru Leader, has said that a Welsh government under her leadership would establish a National Innovation Body in order to achieve the party's target of doubling Welsh R&D (Research and Development) spending, and building a global reputation for Wales as a centre of excellence for research and innovation. The body will fund and direct a national network of sector-led Research and Technology hubs to help indigenous spin-out and start-up firms and, would work with the new WDA in attracting innovation-linked investment. It would also lead on introducing innovation in the delivery of public services. Wales's universities, and their relationship with the private sector, would play a key role in achieving these goals.

Party of Wales Leader Leanne Wood said:

"A Plaid Cymru Welsh government would make Wales a nation of innovation. Our National Innovation Body would work in partnership with the private sector, with the aim of doubling Research and Development spend, learning from international best practice.

“Wales needs to see more projects such as ESRI, SPECIFIC, Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating the Swansea Computational Foundry, the innovation and knowledge centre in Baglan, or the new Advanced Semiconductor Centre in Cardiff, in order to revolutionise the Welsh economy and generate wealth.”