International event puts Wales at centre of global digital economy

Wales is well-placed to exploit the potential for growth and jobs of the £860bn global digital economy as it welcomes the world to the Digital 2015 Conference, Economy Minister Edwina Hart said today (Monday, 8 June).

The event will bring together more than 2,000 people including speakers from Google, Microsoft, Airbus and Cisco.  The digital sector in Wales is made up of around 3000 businesses and employs in excess of 24,000 people and is expanding fast, between 2010 and 2013 digital start-ups in Wales grew by 87%, above the UK average of 53%. In February a Tech Nation report placed South Wales in the top five of the UK’s fastest growing “digital clusters”, with a vibrant network of entrepreneurs to share ideas and good access to public finance.

Wales is also developing a reputation in the cyber security industry.  The South Wales region in particular has a high concentration of innovative companies and university expertise in the sector and the region is recognised by the UK government as one of the primary locations in the UK for the research, development and commercialisation of security products and services. Recently US cyber-security firm Alert Logic opened its European HQ in Cardiff and Cardiff firm Net Consulting expanding operations and opening a new office in Australia to meet growing international demand.

Speaking ahead of the event, Economy Edwina Hart, Welsh Government Minister for Economy, said:

“Wales is punching above its weight on the world stage in terms of digital innovation, and I look forward to welcoming the key digital leaders innovators and influencers from the national technology scene to Wales. The Welsh Government has targeted this sector for its potential to add £1.5 billion to the Welsh economy over the next five years. We are funding research and development, supporting new start-ups and attracting inward investment to ensure Wales is at the forefront of the global digital economy.”

The Digital 2015 Conference at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on the 8 and 9 June will focus on five distinct themes, including Digital Skills, Digital Entrepreneurs, Digital Innovation, Cybersecurity and Digital Showcase. Topics including wearables, pre-emptive tech, BYOD, Internet of Things and other digital, social and mobile trends will also be showcased to bring to life the technology that’s changing the world.

Sir Terry Matthews, technology entrepreneur and owner of the Celtic Manor Resort, said:

“Never before have so many revolutionary opportunities for digital innovation existed for businesses across all sectors of the economy. Digital 2015 will showcase these opportunities and bring together thousands of like-minded digital leaders, innovators, creators and decision-makers.

“Last year we welcomed more than 2000 visitors through the Celtic Manor’s gates, with online viewers from as far afield as Singapore and Russia. This years’ bigger and more ambitious format and focus will make Digital 2015 as much an experience as an event, where ideas are shared, knowledge is gained, connections are made and business deals are done.”