Welsh SMEs invited to shape the future of generative AI adoption

Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being invited to take part in a new research project exploring how Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) is currently being used or considered within businesses across Wales.

The project is led by Dr Fariba Darabi at Bangor University's Albert Gubay Business School, working with Professor Michael Butler and Dr Junyu Zhou, in partnership with M-SParc and funded through the Welsh Government’s SMART FIS scheme.

The research aims to ensure that Welsh businesses receive the right support, skills and guidance to adopt Generative AI in a practical, responsible and effective way. Findings from the survey will help shape future innovation plans, skills development programmes and policy direction across Wales.

Members of a research project exploring how Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) is currently being used or considered within businesses across Wales. — L-R: Junyu Zhou, Michael Butler, Fariba Darabi, Olwen Davies

Dr Fariba Darabi, Bangor University said, “The project will provide the basis for the future creation of innovation plans and Gen-AI skills development across different industries in Welsh SMEs. These innovation plans will increase our capability and capacity to be able to work with and support SMEs in their making the best use of Gen-AI. The outcome of the questionnaire will also help to shape a roadmap to support and inform the strategic direction of Rhanbarth Research Centre at Albert Gubay Business School, and M-SParc and Welsh Government’s AI strategy in supporting the adoption of Gen-AI in Welsh SMEs.”

Professor Michael Butler, Bangor University said, “Our innovative Generative AI Project shows Bangor University at its best. We are addressing one of the most important topics of our times to help SMEs benefit from technological change. This can only be achieved through a multi-partner collaboration: Albert Gubay Business School’s Rhanbarth Centre for Sustainable Regions and Economies, M-SParc and the Welsh Government.”

M-SParc plays a key role in connecting this research with businesses across Wales, using its ecosystem, networks and experience supporting innovation-led SMEs.

Olwen Davies, Contracts and Commercial Manager at M-Sparc said, “We’re delighted to be collaborating on this important research project. At M-SParc, our role is to connect innovation with real business need. By mobilising our ecosystem and national networks, we want to ensure that SMEs from across Wales have the opportunity to contribute their experiences and help shape future AI support in a way that is practical, relevant and impactful.”

This work builds on M-SParc’s wider activity in Artificial Intelligence, including:

hosting showcases and conferences that bring AI experts and sceptics together
the launch of egni.ai, an AI-powered carbon emissions calculator for SMEs
delivery of AI workshops and business support
development of AI tools such as prompt review and analysis
recruitment of AI business experts to support the Business Wales programme

Welsh SMEs are encouraged to complete the short online questionnaire by 15 February 2026 by clicking here.

Further context on previous AI research collaborations between Bangor University and M-SParc can be found here.