The Welsh diaspora – a golden opportunity
A groundbreaking study of the Welsh diaspora has revealed an ‘unprecedented’ opportunity to transform decades of “brain drain” from Wales into significant economic advantage.
The research, conducted by Tokyo-based academic Dr. Sarah Louisa Birchley of Toyo Gakuen University, in partnership with GlobalWelsh and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, surveyed over 1,700 members of the Welsh diaspora across 45 countries, uncovering a highly educated, entrepreneurial network with strong appetite for investment and return migration.
The findings highlighted 500 Welsh-led businesses operating globally among respondents, with 25% of diaspora entrepreneurs ready to invest in Wales within 12 months
According to the results, 54% of recent emigrants would consider returning to Wales, representing a significant “brain gain” opportunity.
45% of Welsh diaspora hold master’s degrees or higher, considerably above averages, and there is a strong representation in key growth sectors including technology (24%), creative industries (7%), and healthcare (6%)
Furthermore, 62% of respondents said they are willing to engage in knowledge transfer and personal mentoring back to Wales.
Cultural bonds
The research also revealed powerful cultural bonds which endure among the Welsh diaspora.
92% of respondents express strong pride in their Welsh identity, while almost 10% maintain Welsh language use at home despite living abroad
Additionally, over half of those that responded actively participate in Welsh cultural events globally and show strong regional loyalties, highlighting potential opportunities for targeted engagement by different regions within Wales.
Walter May, CEO of GlobalWelsh, said: “This research fundamentally challenges the traditional narrative that lost Welsh talent is gone forever. We’ve uncovered a powerful network of global Welsh talent, particularly in high-growth sectors like technology, renewables, and advanced manufacturing, who are actively seeking to reinvest in Wales.
“They remain passionate about Wales, its language, culture and opportunity and want to contribute to the country’s future prosperity, given the right conditions.”
Regional opportunities
The study identified specific regional opportunities for connecting the skills and economic drive of the diaspora. Diaspora from the Cardiff Capital Region showed particular strength in technology and financial services; Swansea Bay City Deal in manufacturing innovation, the digital economy and education; mid Wales in environmental, advanced agriculture and tourism; and north Wales in advanced engineering, energy and environmental sectors.
Notably, the research revealed that Welsh diaspora entrepreneurs are operating at senior levels in Silicon Valley, European tech hubs, and Asian financial centres. One Silicon Valley CEO interviewed, expressed strong interest in creating an R&D hub in Wales, contingent on infrastructure improvements.
The research also highlighted key barriers to investment and return migration, including infrastructure and connectivity challenges, limited awareness of investment opportunities, a need for improved public services and housing accessibility.
Dr. Birchley commented: “The data suggests Wales has an extraordinary opportunity to position itself as a model for how small nations can leverage their global diaspora for economic development.
“With an estimated 3-4 million Welsh people living outside Wales — the same again as Wales’s home population—the potential economic impact is significant.
“What makes this opportunity unique is how it combines economic potential with genuine cultural passion and a desire to contribute back to future improved prosperity for Wales.”
The report calls for a coordinated Welsh national strategy to engage this global network, with recommendations including the establishment of a cross-sector diaspora task force in Wales – backed by all key stakeholder, development of stronger structured investment frameworks and further enhancement of digital infrastructure, access to housing and improvement to transport connectivity
Further recommendations include the creation of targeted regional development programmes for diaspora and the expansion of Welsh language and cultural resources for the diaspora.
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Been saying this for 30 years…having worked in the alumni sector and the WDA…they were not interested at all and I have kept e mails to prove it….the response ron
, the WDA were beyond….
Interesting subject. Anecdotally, it seems other nations are far better at harnessing what their diaspora have to offer (eg, the Irish) – whether economically, culturally, politically. It is something that deserves exploration, as it is a wasted resource otherwise.
For information, there is a related event on Sunday 1 November at the Hay Winter Festival with Dr Birchley and, Julia Gillard (Welsh born former Australian PM) in conversation with Jon Gower. It’s titled ‘People and Place: Wales and the Welsh Diaspora’.
Just spotted my typo… the event is Sunday 1 December!
Thanks for the insight and the info. If I can make it through the floods. I’ll try to be there.
And the jobs in Wales are where?
Created when the diaspora return with their global connections and years of experience to set up new businesses or expand existing businesses into Wales.
One just has to look at the Irish diaspora and how they have improved their economy. The Irish American lobby for example is pretty powerful within American politics. During the Brexit negotiations for example the UK government wouldn’t dare do anything that would have violated the Good Friday Agreement because of the influence that lobby had. Imagine the combined power and influence of what a Celtic diaspora would look like? (Welsh, Irish and Scottish)
Cornish (extremely influential in the mining sector) and Breton.
I’m sure you’re old enough to understand that violating the Good Friday agreement would put more than just the sentiment of voters or lobbyists at risk. Now if you’re implying that Cymru would be better off had its radical paramilitary been more effective, well I wouldn’t disagree, but it’s an awkward thing to support openly.
It may exist already but if not there’s a good case here for a simple newslettter around shared needs and interests. A website with links to useful services esp. bilingual ones. A quarterly conference online. Link outgoing diaspora and incomers/ returnees.
I’m a great believer in networking. If I were 20 years younger and healthier I’d have it all up and going within a month or so. Anyone? Happy to help with practical info and encouragement.
I believe what you describe is the GlobalWelsh group.
As a mine engineer, biotech and cannabis entrepreneur, I’d love to bring my knowledge, global experience and investor network to Wales. I am stopped by a Welsh government lacking the ambition, bravery and creativity to structure legislation which places Wales’ economy at its centre. I need to hear less of, ‘we can’t’ from the Welsh Labour lead Senedd and more ‘what do you in mining and plant biotechnology need from us to bring yourself and money to Wales?’ Our nation has gas, hydrogen, minerals, wind and water which is currently not benefiting the citizens of Wales. Let’s change that. Let’s… Read more »
Wales “has” gas, minerals, wind, water etc but aren’t these mostly owned by King Charlie and administered by (now Labour-run) Westminster?
Can you give some examples of legislation that’s within the boundaries of devolved competence that would attract investment.
As someone who spent my 20’s & 30’s auctioning myself to the highest bidder in England. This article is brilliant 👏. I wasn’t targeted for by brains unfortunately, but for my grunt and ability to work 90 hour weeks.
I feel privileged now that I do not have to work away and pay the bills living & working in Wales.
For our nation to prosper, we must provide opportunities for our 🧠 brains. It’s the only way we will have the prospect of standing alone, out of England’s shadow.