Research carried out by the University of South Wales into the needs of local industry in materials and advanced engineering sector has revealed a lack of technical expertise.

The survey, carried out by the A4B funded MAeKES project, found that graduates and other job seekers are not able to fulfill company requirements.

In Wales, the most frequently identified missing expertise was electronics/hardware engineering.

Other areas emphasised by more than one company included mechanical engineers, laser systems, chemical engineers and materials scientists.

The MAeKES project partnering with Cardiff and Swansea universities aims to build collaborations with business and industry to support knowledge exchange and promote the industrialisation of Welsh university courses.

The research also provided details of the drivers of Welsh businesses to innovate through collaborative projects.

When compared to the rest of UK, Welsh businesses were very much more concerned with efficiencies and cost saving whereas the rest of the UK was more focused on competitiveness and being a market leader.

Dr Martin Rhisiart of the University of South Wales said: “Our study analysed global drivers and potential disruptions for work and skills in the UK. We produced four scenarios for 2030, with work and skills implications for seven economic sectors. For manufacturing, while re-shoring provides new opportunities for growth and employment, the sector in Wales (in particular) and the UK needs to follow a path of up-skilling. This applies across occupational roles.

“In addition to continued investment in core engineering and technical skills, advances in technologies and business models – such as those linked to additive manufacturing, digitalisation of production and new materials – call for new repertoires of skills. Companies in Wales need to move up the innovation ladder. Collaboration and open innovation business models can help manufacturing businesses to succeed in this emerging manufacturing landscape”.

The Industrial Needs Survey has provided an insight into the contribution that academic institutions can provide to business and industry. MAeKES will build proactively and positively on the knowledge gained from this report to develop new collaborations and partnerships that enable new technologies to be commercialised and promote economic growth in Wales.

This research will be used to inform the new National Research Networks ensuring that research and development in Wales is carried out with a wider appreciation of industrial requirements.