The British government unveiled a semiconductor strategy on Friday, which calls for investment of one billion pounds sterling (1.15 billion euros) over the decade.
This strategy has the stated objectives of stimulating growth in the sector in the UK, reducing the risks of supply disruption and protecting national security.
Investment of up to £200 million (€230 million) is planned for 2023-2025 to boost research and development and facilitate international cooperation.
“Stay ahead”
Highlighting the ubiquity of semiconductors in the modern world, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed that this strategy focuses British efforts on its “strengths, in areas such as research and design, so that we can strengthen our competitive edge on the world stage.” “.
The government statement highlights the commitment made on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan to establish an ambitious partnership with Tokyo in the field of semiconductors, in particular thanks to a joint investment of two million pounds sterling (2.3 million euros) next year.
Semiconductors are essential in industry and, in particular, in green technologies (batteries, wind turbines, solar) and digital technologies, smartphones, connected cars or game consoles, but also in military equipment.
International tensions have increased in recent years around this strategic sector, with China and the United States in particular waging a fierce battle in this area.
Removals in Europe
The European Union reached an agreement last month on a plan to develop this industry on its own territory to reduce its dependence on Asia.
Russ Mould, an analyst at AJ Bell, describes the $1bn investment announced as “pocket money compared to the $50bn and €43bn recently unveiled in the US and EU.”
Lucy Powell, head of the opposition Labor Party on culture and digital, also believes that the announced investment, which represents, according to her, “more like 200 million pounds over the next three years”, is far “less than what has been put on the table”. by our competitors.”
The March announcement by British microprocessor maker Arm, a subsidiary of Japan’s Softbank, that it was going to be listed on Wall Street rather than in London “provides little assurance that we will be able to maintain and grow this industry vital to growth and National security”. ” she added.
Source: BFM TV
