The word on the street

08/01/08

by Dr Chris Young, Chief Executive of the Welsh Electronics Forum

As one of the major enablers for nearly every other industry, technology businesses in Wales will continue to play a vital role in the year ahead. However, one of the biggest challenges for the technology industry in 2008 and beyond will be to ensure that its players, and indeed its valuable contribution to the economy, are not underestimated or overlooked in favour of a more vertical market-led approach.

On a UK level, for example, the Electronics, IT and Software sectors account for around 4 per cent of the UK’s gross domestic product and employ around 1 million people. Playing an increasingly central role in our working lives, leisure activities and communications, the technology industry is also widely accepted as a source of innovation and new ways of thinking.

Yet with around 80 per cent of the industry consisting of small and medium sized businesses – many employing less than 50 people – the industry has been seen by some as ‘invisible’ and difficult to define owing to its rather pervasive nature.

However since the formation of the UK Electronics Alliance (UKEA) in 2005, created to develop and implement mechanisms to shape the future of the industry by 2015, much has been done not only to unify the various representative industry bodies and trade associations, but also to give a united voice to the industry.

Similarly in Wales we are continually looking to ensure that we play our rightful part in shaping the industry’s future. The next step now will be to ensure that our views of a vibrant, confident and progressive industry are also recognised by those key decision makers and influencers in power.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

1. About the Welsh Electronics Forum:
The Welsh Electronics Forum is an independent body that acts on behalf of the broad technology industry in Wales to encourage innovation and increased competitiveness. Promoting worldwide confidence in electronics, semiconductors, opto-electronics and software, the Forum reflects the progressive and vibrant nature of Wales’ most exciting industry. Speaking with a single, unified voice, and harnessing the skills and synergy of its members, the Forum assists the industry in meeting the challenges it faces.

For more information, visit www.welsh-electronics.com

Further information contact, M & M Communications on 079 5869 0659 or buzz@mandmcomms.com