Professor Kenneth Board's new book, "Inspiring Wealth Creators," brings attention to 38 influential figures with ties to Swansea University, the City of Swansea, and South Wales. The book highlights entrepreneurs, business leaders, and visionaries who have contributed significantly to the region's economic landscape.
As a graduate of Swansea University and an entrepreneur himself, Professor Board provides an insider perspective on these notable individuals. He is a Professor Emeritus at Swansea University's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. "Entrepreneurs have long been the backbone of Wales' economic evolution, transforming bold ideas into lasting industries. Inspiring Wealth Creators celebrates this spirit—showcasing the determination, ingenuity, and impact of those who have shaped the region’s business landscape," said Professor Board.
The book also aims to connect generations by showing how past innovators continue to inspire future business leaders in Wales. Among the examples highlighted is CSconnected, a semiconductor cluster that combines efforts from researchers, businesses, and policymakers for technological advancement.
Students from Swansea University are actively involved in CSconnected's success by contributing their skills and entrepreneurial vision. Professor Board notes that student participation helps recruit experienced staff for the cluster's growth and opens opportunities for them to become entrepreneurs themselves. He stated: “The participation of students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels…helps to foster the recruitment of experienced and high-calibre staff for the cluster to grow but also opens up the possibility of some of them having ideas to become entrepreneurs."
Dr David O’Brien, another featured entrepreneur in the book, stresses preparing future generations as essential. A former Silicon Valley executive and Swansea University graduate, Dr O'Brien remarked: “All educational programs at all ages and levels need a portion of their resources devoted to researching and teaching the ‘future’. Open-mindedness, adaptability and early adoption will be a critical element for society in general.”
Published by Native Book Publishing, "Inspiring Wealth Creators" was launched at Swansea University's Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM).