23rd June 2025

Delivering the UK Industrial Strategy: A Welsh Life Sciences Perspective

The UK Government has published its new Industrial Strategy plan today, highlighting the importance of the life sciences sector in Wales and across the UK. In response to the announcement, Gwyn Tudor, CEO of MediWales said:

“The UK’s refreshed Industrial Strategy is a clear and welcome recognition of the central role that life sciences will play in driving future economic growth, innovation and international trade. It is particularly encouraging to see Wales acknowledged for its strengths in the sector and recognised as a key contributor to the UK’s future industrial success. This reflects the significant progress Wales has made in building a collaborative, high-performing ecosystem of academic, clinical and industry partners.

The Government’s ambition for the UK to become the leading life sciences economy in Europe by 2030, and the third most important globally by 2035, sets a bold and timely direction. MediWales supports the planned £600 million investment in a national Health Data Research Service, which aims to establish the world’s most advanced, secure and AI-ready health data platform. This will be critical for enabling SMEs and research partners across Wales to access trusted health data environments and drive forward innovation.

We also welcome the wider commitment to a more agile and enabling regulatory environment. The strategy’s plans to reduce regulatory burdens by 25%, streamline approval pathways, and empower the Regulatory Innovation Office are positive steps toward ensuring that cutting-edge life sciences technologies can reach patients and markets more quickly.

Importantly, the strategy highlights the value of regional specialisation and recognises that life sciences strengths in Wales are central to the UK’s economic future. By investing in high-potential places and leveraging local partnerships, it creates a framework for building resilient, innovation-led economies that reflect the strengths of communities across the UK.

The inclusion of the £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund offers a real opportunity to strengthen collaboration between industry, academia and the NHS, supporting regional R&D and helping local businesses scale and compete internationally.

Expanding access to finance through the British Business Bank, the National Wealth Fund, and the strategic mobilisation of institutional capital will help growing companies in Wales to access the long-term investment they need to commercialise and to compete globally.

Working in partnership with the Welsh Government, national stakeholders, and UK-wide programmes, we are determined to ensure that Wales plays a leading role in delivering this strategy: accelerating innovation, improving health outcomes, and creating high-value, high-skilled jobs across our nation.”