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RESOLVED: • That the governance arrangements for the LIPF application, be endorsed with Neath Port Talbot Council as Lead Bidder; • That the ‘SWW Industrial Resilience’ South West Wales LIPF application, be endorsed as the only South West Wales bid to be submitted to UKRI under the LIPF competed strand; • That it be endorsed that Neath Port Talbot Council be granted delegated authority to enter into any agreements with UKRI post submission of the application.
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interests received.
The minutes from the meeting held on 1 September 2025 were approved as an accurate record. The minutes from the meeting held on 3 November 2025 were approved as an accurate record, subject to the following amendment: ‘Cllr A.Lewis’ be amended to ‘Cllr A.Williams’ under the declarations of interests section of the minutes.
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RESOLVED: • That the governance arrangements for the LIPF application, be endorsed with Neath Port Talbot Council as Lead Bidder; • That the ‘SWW Industrial Resilience’ South West Wales LIPF application, be endorsed as the only South West Wales bid to be submitted to UKRI under the LIPF competed strand; • That it be endorsed that Neath Port Talbot Council be granted delegated authority to enter into any agreements with UKRI post submission of the application.
Members were presented with an overview of the South West Wales application to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF). The Committee was informed that the LIPF was a £500 million revenue fund delivered over a five‑year programme; the fund comprised two strands, an earmarked strand and a competitive strand. It was stated that the South West Wales region was applying under the competitive strand, noting that the Cardiff Capital Region had received between £20 million and £30 million through the earmarked strand in the previous year; regions not included in the earmarked allocation were eligible to apply for up to £20 million over the five‑year period. The circulated report provided an overview of the fund’s objectives, which included growing high‑potential innovation clusters and strengthening local partnerships to deliver place‑based innovation. It was noted that the expected outputs included new and improved research and development and innovation infrastructure, stronger partnerships, the development of new products and services, and the creation of new jobs; there were also a number of outcomes linked to supporting businesses to ensure they were prepared for innovation and increased regional innovation capacity to support long‑term research and development investment. Officers reported that the application required robust governance arrangements built around a “triple helix” partnership model involving government, academia, and industry, with potential community involvement; the South West Wales region had collaborated effectively for several decades and proposed to build on that established partnership. Members were informed that the application was required to address five key areas: strategic vision and priority clusters, existing strengths and innovation opportunities, governance and leadership. operational capability, and resources and cost justification. Officers highlighted the areas eligible for funding, including business growth, knowledge exchange activities, research and development infrastructure, and direct support to businesses to enhance innovation. It was confirmed that Neath Port Talbot Council was identified as the lead bidder, supported by Local authority Partners from Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire; academic partners included Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, with Net Zero Industry Wales identified as an industry partner and Welsh Government participating in an observer capacity. Following on from the above, it was noted that BIC Innovation had been commissioned by Net Zero Industry Wales to prepare and coordinate the application; the application process included two‑stages. Officers explained that stage one, due for submission in February 2026, focused on governance, a high‑level indication, and proposed interventions. It was mentioned that a Shadow Project Board had been established to support this stage, comprising officer representation from the four Local Authorities, Net Zero Industry Wales, Swansea University, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and Welsh Government. Officers added that an open call for expressions of interest had been launched to identify potential projects for inclusion within the portfolio, with submissions due to close at the end of the week; a regional webinar had been held prior to Christmas to support engagement. It was stated the proposed theme for the application was South West Wales Industrial Resilience, with a focus on energy security and materials security. It was highlighted that the theme aligned with the South West Wales Regional Economic Delivery Plan missions and with UK and Welsh Government priorities relating to clean energy and industrial strategy. The Committee was informed that regional partners were scheduled to meet in due course to review the expressions of interest received; organisations would subsequently be notified on whether their proposals met the necessary criteria and, where appropriate, supported to further develop their proposals. It was noted that a Project Board assessment of the submissions was planned, after which preparations would continue towards the February submission deadline. It was noted that the final portfolio of projects was required to be submitted by 14 May 2026, subject to the region’s successful progression through stage one; this allowed additional time to work with delivery partners to ensure governance and innovation assets were robust. In response to Member questions, Officers confirmed that the Shadow Project Board comprised Officer representation only. Members were advised that this process was a highly competitive, UK‑wide fund, with £300 million already allocated through the earmarked strand; while Wales represented a smaller proportion of the overall UK geography, Officers highlighted the strength of the regional innovation ecosystem across South West Wales. It was noted that, while competition was strong, the scale of funding and potential benefits to regional businesses made participation essential. Net Zero Industry Wales was reported to be engaging directly with UKRI, and both Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David maintained close links with UKRI. Members noted the region’s strong track record of delivery through the South West Wales Launchpad and the Place‑Based Impact Accelerator for Net Zero Buildings, which remained in operation. It was confirmed that academic partners were required to be located within the region; while specialist expertise from universities outside the region could not be formal partners, Members were advised that discussions, including those relating to mine water heat proposals, were ongoing through Net Zero Industry Wales. Members further queried alignment with Catapult organisations. Officers confirmed that engagement was in place with relevant Catapults, including the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, and that a wider stakeholder group existed alongside the Shadow Project Board to ensure alignment. It was confirmed that, subject to endorsement by the Sub‑Committee, the report would be submitted to the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee for approval on 27 January 2026. Following approval, the governance structure of the Corporate Joint Committee would be incorporated within the bid governance framework; regular progress reports would be provided to the Corporate Joint Committee as part of the ongoing governance arrangements. RESOLVED: • That the governance arrangements for the LIPF application, be endorsed with Neath Port Talbot Council as Lead Bidder; • That the ‘SWW Industrial Resilience’ South West Wales LIPF application, be endorsed as the only South West Wales bid to be submitted to UKRI under the LIPF competed strand; • That it be endorsed that Neath Port Talbot Council be granted delegated authority to enter into any agreements with UKRI post submission of the application.
The Forward Work Programme was noted.
There were no urgent items received.
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