Setting the scene for technology fortnight

November 14th saw over 130 guests from businesses across South Wales join the ITWales team at for a lunch luncheon of ict forum wales 2005 at the new Liberty Stadium in Swansea.

Before lunch guests heard from Beti Williams, Director of ITWales who introduced the fortnight and invited everyone to take advantage of the wide variety of events on offer. She reminded delegates that although time is often at a premium for small businesses, investing that time in ict forum wales would be a great way to gather relevant ICT information which can be put to business use immediately; information which will ultimately bring benefits to business and the Welsh economy.

Following lunch Dr Simon Moores from Zentelligence offered the guests his view of the social and economic issues surrounding the evolution of the information society, and the future of Wales information economy.

Dr Moores reminded delegates that the UK's competition is global and not held back by the UK's over regulation and a skills shortage, which means the UK must adapt or stagnate. He did however leave his audience with the goods news that Wales is attractive because of its positive business infrastructure, has good assistance available to companies to help them grow, and a good education system providing good quality graduates.

Professor John Tucker from the University closed the day with audience questions, and reminded us that more graduate opportunities are needed to keep the growing skills base in Wales.

The launch event was supported by Bay in Business and the West Wales Chamber of Commerce. Dr Moores' presentation was streamed live to Bangor by CC4Web, and audio visual support was provided courtesy of Genero.

ict forum wales 2005 is organised by ITWales in collaboration with Swansea University and the University of Wales Bangor. The programme is supported by the Welsh Development Agency and part financed by the European Social Fund.