Welsh Government
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EU-backed project helps maximise the potential of Welsh businesses in the green economy
The WISE Network is a collaborative project between Aberystwyth, Bangor and Swansea universities that enables businesses across the region to take full advantage of the growth in the green economy.
By working in partnership with university research and development experts and making use of their facilities, the project aims to better equip businesses to develop sustainable products, processes and services, and to become more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
The WISE Network aims to create a culture of confident businesses that use research and innovation as an essential component in their future development, and to date has successfully collaborated with almost 500 companies through phase 1, and is currently working with 20 new companies and many more in the pipeline.
Speaking at the launch of the latest phase in the Senedd, Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport said:
"I am very pleased to launch the next phase of the WISE Network programme. Supporting growth in this key sector is vital. This is an excellent example of the continued collaboration between industry and academia in Wales."
Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, said:
"Ensuring that we become a truly sustainable nation is a key goal in our Programme for Government. I am delighted we have been able to invest European funding through the Welsh Government to back this ambition to boost the green economy."
Professor Jamie Newbold, WISE Network Director, said:
"The WISE Network responds directly to the needs of businesses resulting in the development of a wide range of innovative products and services. Many of Wales’ businesses are SME’s and would not normally be in a position to have their own R&D departments, and the joint expertise of our three universities offers a valuable and accessible resource. We aim to provide advice and assistance to allow commercial partners to help develop the Green Economy in Wales by developing sustainable products, processes and services."
Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said:
"With Welsh Government support through European funding, the WISE Network enables companies to access the phenomenal research and development expertise that exists across our three universities.
We collaborate to provide advice and practical support for businesses, and work together to jointly realise our potential within the growing green economy. We are proud to be leading the partnership between Aberystwyth, and Bangor and Swansea Universities, and building on the success of WISE 1 led by our colleagues at Bangor."
