About
Neil Roche is a Research Associate at the Welsh Economy Research Unit (WERU) within Cardiff Business School at Cardiff University. He has been actively involved in externally funded research projects for both private and public organizations, with recent work including a £1.2m EU research program examining the impact of superfast broadband on small firms in Wales.
Roche holds a BScEcon (Hons) in Economics from the University of Wales, Swansea, and an MSc in Computing from Cardiff University. His interdisciplinary background bridges economics and technology, informing his research approach.
His primary research interests focus on broadband and digital adoption, regional economics and policy, tourism economics, sustainable development, and the economics of sport. Roche's work consistently examines how technological advancements impact regional economies, with particular emphasis on Wales. His research combines quantitative analysis with policy evaluation to provide actionable insights for government and business stakeholders. The interdisciplinary nature of his work positions him at the intersection of economic analysis and technological innovation.
Analysis of Roche's recent publications reveals a strong progression in his research focus, beginning with studies on sports economics and tourism, then shifting toward digital transformation and broadband infrastructure. His most recent work examines the economic implications of AI and automation. The consistent thread throughout his publications is a focus on practical policy applications for regional economic development in Wales, with an increasing emphasis on digital infrastructure as an economic driver.
Roche serves as Assistant Editor of the Welsh Economic Review, published by Cardiff University Press, demonstrating his commitment to advancing regional economic discourse. His editorial role complements his research activities by facilitating the dissemination of economic research focused on Wales.
His funded research portfolio demonstrates significant engagement with Welsh government bodies and public organizations. Notable projects include the £1.2m ERDF Superfast Broadband Exploitation project (2016-2020), Community Energy Wales research (2015), and various studies for Cardiff City Council, Welsh European Funding Office, and Cadw/Visit Wales. These projects typically involve interdisciplinary teams and produce actionable policy recommendations that directly influence regional economic strategy.
As part of the Welsh Economy Research Unit, Roche contributes to WERU's mission of conducting high-quality economic research focused on Wales. The unit works closely with Welsh government departments, public bodies, and private sector organizations to inform economic policy and business strategy in the region. His work exemplifies the practical application of academic research to address real-world economic challenges facing the Welsh economy.
