THE Welsh Development Agency is to receive an additional £13.1million in National Assembly cash to fast-track projects throughout Wales geared to creating an innovation-, knowledge-based economy.

The funding has been welcomed by WDA chief executive Graham Hawker, who said it would enable the agency to accelerate a number of key projects.

Mr Hawker said: "These projects form an integral part of our overall strategy to develop an advanced, competitive and more diverse economy.

"One of our key objectives is to increase the number of jobs in higher-value- added sectors where the application of ideas, innovation and technology create competitive advantage and fast growth.

"A number of these projects are linked to the Technium initiative, which was launched in Swansea earlier this month, and is to be replicated around Wales.

"This additional funding will have a significant impact and speed up that programme to support the growth of high-technology start-ups and job opportunities.

"The funding will be allocated to prepare and develop premises which include a Technium centre at Aberystwyth, Abertawe Innovation Village, a mixed development centred on Prince of Wales Dock with Technium as flagship, and accommodation for the customer service centre at Bridgend."