Commenting on the new National Semiconductor Strategy, Professor Nick Jennings CB FREng FRS, Chair of the Engineering Policy Centre Committee said:
“Not a moment too soon, the long-anticipated semiconductor strategy at last signals how the government plans to build on the UK’s current strengths in semiconductor innovation. For UK engineering, what is important is the setting of a strategic direction. The overall size of investment is small relative to other nations, but by focusing on existing UK strengths we can make a difference. This focus will also provide clarity both for those in industry making investment decisions and for the UK’s international partners.
“We welcome the government’s clarity that a compromise to the cybersecurity of the hardware powering modern life is unacceptable. Continued action and vigilance on this critical issue is essential for both the personal privacy of citizens and our national security.
“Recruiting diverse and skilled engineers is absolutely essential for a thriving semiconductor industry and is a challenge that will require industry, academia and government collaboration to solve. The proof of this semiconductor strategy will be in its delivery. International partnerships will be crucial to improve the UK’s security of supply and resilience and enable other emerging technologies to develop. Future government decisions and interventions will need to be timely to enable the UK to move with the agility and pace required to achieve its goals in the highly competitive global semiconductor ecosystem.”
