Artificial Intelligence (AI) might conjure images of tech labs and city startups, but its real impact may be felt most powerfully in places like rural Wales. From curlew monitoring on remote farmland to small businesses automating admin, AI is quietly reshaping how people live, work and manage the land.
A recent study by Senedd Research found that just 7.42% of Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were using AI in 2022, trailing other UK nations, but that the potential is immense. The Welsh Government and industry partners are now actively exploring how AI can support productivity, conservation, and economic resilience across rural regions.
“Wales risks falling behind unless it supports inclusive AI adoption in its rural economy.”
— Understanding AI in rural SMEs: Opportunities for Wales, Senedd Research (2025)
Over this three-part series, we’ll explore where AI is already making a difference in rural Wales, covering areas such as small business productivity to protecting fragile habitats. We’ll also look at the challenges such as infrastructure, skills, energy and how policymakers, innovators, and communities can work together to shape an ethical, inclusive AI future.
Further reading – Understanding AI in rural SMEs: opportunities for Wales
