Uk National Semiconductor Strategy

Chloe Smith the UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, this May 2023 has released a strategy for our “National Semiconductor Strategy”

There is the new creation of DSIT. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology which replaces the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and also creates the Department for Culture, Media and Sport

A specific strategic focus is on the UK’s semiconductor technology, along with advancements like quantum physics and AI.
This is the UK’s forward-looking approach to securing economic and national security while grasping the global competitive edge.

To implement this, there is a £1 billion of funding for this strategy on UK’s semiconductor sector. This strategy is a 20-year plan to produce world-leading strengths in the global semiconductor industry.

The National Semiconductor Strategy sets out how up to £1 billion of government investment will boost the UK’s strengths and skills in design, R&D and compound semiconductors, while helping to grow domestic chip firms across the UK.

The 65 page Semiconductor Strategy document has 5 key points

5. New Department Emblematic of their Commitment: 
   The inauguration of the DSIT – Science, Innovation, and Technology department reflects the UK’s unwavering dedication to emerging as a science and technology powerhouse, fostering robust growth, enhanced job opportunities, and daring breakthroughs.
6. Foundational Importance of Semiconductors: 
   The strategy acknowledges the intrinsic value of semiconductor technology, to help positioning the UK to thrive in an innovative global economy.
7. Crucial Role in National Security: 
   The document emphasizes the strategic significance of semiconductors in bolstering the UK’s economic and national security, while outlining potential vulnerabilities posed by supply chain disruptions and hostile state interference.
8. Tailored Strategy for Unique Strengths:
   The UK’s approach differentiates itself from global counterparts by focusing on its distinctive strengths in compound semiconductors, R&D, and chip design, leveraging industry collaboration to propel advancements.
9. Wide-Ranging Impacts and Visions: 
   The strategy outlines a visionary trajectory encompassing AI leadership, quantum computing advancements, high-performance computing, and progress toward net zero and life sciences, all underpinned by the critical role of semiconductors.

So, is Chloe Smith’s ministerial vision for the UK’s technological ascendancy, underscored by a specific strategic focus on semiconductor technology, going to work?

Does the Government’s strategy lay the groundwork for transformative growth, burgeoning innovation, national security, and leadership in cutting-edge technologies that will shape the modern world for the UK?

PDF of the National Semiconductor Strategy