Britain has announced a significant step to bolster its chip sector with a £1 billion ($1.2 billion) plan aimed at reducing reliance on Asian chip production and strengthening the country's semiconductor industry, according to a report by AP.
While the investment falls short compared to the US and EU initiatives, it reflects the government's commitment to supporting research and development, design, intellectual property, and cutting-edge compound semiconductors.
The funding provided by the British government will be spread over the next decade, with an initial allocation of £200 million ( $248 million) earmarked for the years 2023 to 2025.
Illustration picture taken during the inauguration of the Herstal Group's new electronic card production line, in Herstal, Friday 17 June 2022. The start of this new activity marks the Herstal Group's strategic entry into the semiconductor market of the future. A decisive step forward for Belgium and Wallonia, at a time when the European Commission is investing massively to promote security of supply in Europe.
Capitalizing on Britain's Strengths
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that the strategy focuses on capitalizing on the country's strengths in research and design, aiming to enhance its competitiveness globally.
The plan aims to address the supply chain disruption experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in the global chip industry and resulted in prolonged product shortages.
Semiconductors play a crucial role in various aspects of modern life, from consumer electronics like smartphones and washing machines to critical applications in healthcare and transportation.
However, the majority of advanced chips are manufactured in Asia, particularly in Taiwan and South Korea. This heavy reliance on foreign production was highlighted during the pandemic when supply lines were disrupted, causing significant shortages of essential goods.
In an effort to strengthen the chip supply chain, Prime Minister Sunak recently signed a semiconductor partnership with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
This collaboration aims to enhance the resilience and efficiency of chip production, ensuring a stable supply of components.
The British government's semiconductor strategy is not only focused on advancing the domestic chip industry but also on safeguarding national security.
By investing in research, development, and design capabilities, the plan aims to foster innovation, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and build a more resilient and secure chip ecosystem.
While the financial investment may be smaller compared to other nations, the British government's strategy demonstrates its recognition of the strategic importance of semiconductors and its commitment to fostering a competitive edge in this critical industry.
Ahead of G7 Summit
The announcement of the semiconductor strategy comes as Prime Minister Sunak attends the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan, where discussions on global economic recovery, supply chain resilience, and technology leadership are taking place.
The partnership with Japan underscores the international collaboration necessary to address the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry and lays the groundwork for stronger supply chains and increased resilience in the future.
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