EDT(2) SP27

Dear Meriel Singleton Please see below the Council`s comments in respect of the Review of Science Policy Effective, integrated Science policy could and should be a powerful instrument for economic development and for helping to develop an innovative, market responsive business culture in Wales.The Pembrokeshire perspective on Science Policy in Wales is coloured by recent experiences, namely economic decline in key sectors such as agriculture, defence and energy during the 80s and 90s and associated major plant closures. As a consequence the local economy is characterisedby :-* a relatively narrow economic base* high seasonality linked to tourism* low wages* low GDP* a very limited H.E. presence* low levels of manufacturing* very high levels of outmigration by young people* a relatively peripheral location There are however also positive features such as :-* The presence of major multinational businesses* resilient small and micro businesses* a very high quality environment* growth in the number of lifestyle businesses* a strong community of interestScience policy could and should have a role in addressing some of the problems in Pembrokeshire (which are replicated with variations in other parts of Wales) as well as helping to maximise the opportunities for economic growth.The WDA and WAG already recognise the benefits and opportunities associated with developing "business clusters" and in some cases have teams which specialise in providing dedicated support. The greater integration of Science policy to work with and support "business clusters"through local education and training initiatives, through procurement and supply chain activity and at the highest level through R&D and the proactive engagement with Higher Education, is a natural extension of this work.In Pembrokeshire there is a potential private sector investment in excess of £2.5 billion over the next few years which will have a significant effect on business and community life. The Council has concerns that in the past major construction projects have had a `boom and bust` effect on local businesses and that long term sustainable benefits have been limited. WAG and WDA has supported the County Council in developing the physical infrastructure necessary to create a Technium to support and work with the Energy sector in a more sustainable way. Swansea University have had the vision and the expertise to develop the Technium concept as a bridge between HE and business and as a vehicle for developing the knowledge economy in South West Wales. The Pembrokeshire Technium seeks to address many of the endemic problems identified above by taking a long term view, by helping to further diversify the local economy, by encouraging innovation and value added activities and by helping to develop relationships between the multinationals, Higher and Further Education and existing businesses. Science Policy in Wales is a broad term which could cover many fields of interest. As an Economic Development practitioner my wish is that such a policy should reinforce and add value to other strategic initiatives which aim to improve Wales economic performance and grow the knowledge economy. Lessons should be learned from the complexity and confusion which has arisen out of the plethora of business and community support initiatives and there should be an effort to integrate science seamlessly into economic policy and simplify any new arrangements, in consultation with customers.I hope that these views may be of some interestYours SincerelyKefin Wakefield
Pembrokeshire County Council