Reprogramming the Future
Creating an Inclusive Digital Technology Sector for Women in Wales. Reprogramming the Future isn’t just a roadmap, it’s a call to action.
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Wales is being transformed by digital technologies, yet a portion of the population is still being excluded from shaping that transformation. By reprogramming the future, we will unlock the untapped brilliance of women and girls, creating an economy that works for everyone.
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A Future Rewritten
Imagine a Wales where every girl sees the limitless possibilities of digital technology, where the next wave of innovation is powered by diverse minds, breaking down barriers and rewriting the story of our digital future. A Wales where women are not just present in the digital economy but shaping it, designing ethical AI, driving breakthroughs in cybersecurity, and building technology that serves everyone, not just the few.
By excluding a significant portion of the population from the rapidly expanding digital technology sector, Wales risks falling behind other regions that are building diverse and dynamic digital technology ecosystems. As global competition intensifies, regions with more inclusive talent pipelines will have an edge in innovation, economic growth, and attracting investment.
The Digital Skills Divide
47%
of Welsh businesses are struggling with skills shortages, particularly in areas like AI and green technologies.
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5% of leadership positions in the UK technology sector are held by women.
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Women make up 25% of the ICT and 17% of the cyber workforce in Wales.
The Digital Skills Divide
70%
of the jobs deemed to be at high risk of digitalisation and automation are held by women.
5% of leadership positions in the UK technology sector are held by women.
Women make up 25% of the ICT and 17% of the cyber workforce in Wales.
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Cybersecurity
The NCSA and partnerships with companies like Airbus make Wales a UK leader in cyber innovation.
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Compound Semiconductor Tech
Crucial for AI, 5G automotive & renewable energy, the semiconductor industry in Wales is renowned.
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Software Development & Tech Startups
Wales has a flourishing tech startup scene in software, apps and digital platforms.
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AI & Data Science
Wales is growing its AI & big data sector with new data centres & Cardiff’s Data Nation Accelerator.
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Fintech
Government-backed initiatives are helping drive growth in financial tech and blockchain solutions.
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Digital Media & Creative Tech
Wales has a strong digital content industry, being an emerging hub for digital media production.
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This roadmap is about dismantling the structural barriers that have held women back and building a system where every girl in Wales sees technology not just as something she can use, but as something she can shape. This is not just a women’s issue, it’s a Wales opportunity and one we cannot afford to miss.
DownloadLike many regions across the UK, Wales has a long history of gendered occupations. The digital technology sector, historically dominated by men, is no exception. This lack of diversity risks creating tech that doesn’t meet everyone’s needs—especially as AI and data shape sectors like healthcare and transport. If women are excluded from contributing to these innovations, there is a real danger that technological solutions will perpetuate existing gender biases or overlook the specific needs of women altogether. Broadening the talent pool by encouraging more women to enter, stay, and progress in digital technology careers will not only help foster greater inclusivity, but will also drive innovation and support long-term economic growth in Wales.
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Conclusion
This structured roadmap outlines a comprehensive approach to promoting gender equity in digital technology, addressing the barriers encountered by girls and women at various stages of their educational and career journeys, from early childhood to leadership positions and also entrepreneurship. To truly reprogramme the future, this roadmap calls for collaboration between girls, women, educators, employers, policymakers and the influencers girls have in their lives to create a future where girls and women are visible, valued, and thriving within Wales’ digital economy, whether they enter through traditional academic routes, apprenticeships, vocational training, or career changes later in life. By working in collaboration, we can reprogramme the future and build a digital economy that leaves no one behind.
Download the full roadmap