Commenting on the semiconductor strategy announced today, Fhaheen Khan, Senior Economist at Make UK, said:

“The announcement of the long-awaited National Semiconductor strategy presents a long-term plan to play to our strengths in research, IP, and compound semiconductors. Though the UK is slightly late to the party amongst western titans, namely the US and the EU, the strategy can at least give confidence that the UK will remain a key player within the semiconductor supply-chain.

“However, the funding available pales in comparison to the US CHIPS and Science Act which intends to invest around £225 billion over the next decade. Whilst we cannot compete against those deep purses, we can collaborate to ensure the right policy levers are utilised to support key sectors, such as automotive and aerospace manufacturing and make sure they do not face further disruptions to supply. We commend the Government on launching a UK Semiconductor Advisory Panel which is the right first step in that process.”