The UK government has unveiled a novel initiative by creating a fresh steering committee to navigate the country’s semiconductor industry, recognizing its pivotal role in our contemporary society. Semiconductors, often referred to as microchips or integrated circuits, hold immense importance in modern manufacturing processes.
Comprising minuscule fragments of materials like silicon, semiconductors undergo a process known as doping, altering their conductivity to enable both electrical conduction and insulation. This unique property facilitates their use as electronic switches, communicating through the binary code of 1s and 0s that forms the foundation of computing processes.
Despite their minute size, modern microchips can contain as many transistors (miniature semiconductors) as the total number of stones in the Great Pyramid of Giza. This abundance of 1s and 0s translates to an astonishing processing capacity, empowering the sophisticated electronic systems that drive our contemporary lifestyles.
Semiconductors wield not only compact power but also remarkable value, as they underpin a thriving industry valued at $500 billion (£401 billion), with projections of doubling in size by 2030.
Their applications are diverse and far-reaching. Semiconductors serve as the bedrock of modern computing, essential components within devices such as smartphones and laptops. They form the infrastructure of routers, switches, and communication systems that constitute the backbone of the internet, facilitating global connectivity.
Sustainability also owes a debt to semiconductors, which contribute to renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar farms. In the realm of healthcare, they play a vital role in medical devices, equipment, and even implantable technologies such as pacemakers and insulin pumps.
Professor Jo Shien Ng, an authority in semiconductor devices at Sheffield University, emphasizes that semiconductors are integral to critical infrastructures in contemporary societies. For instance, modern vehicles rely on electronic control systems, remote car keys, anti-lock braking, and rear-view cameras – all made possible by semiconductors.
Presently, the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe, and China heavily rely on Taiwan for semiconductor supply. Taiwan’s prominence stems from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), responsible for over half of the world’s supply, serving tech giants like AMD, Apple, ARM, and Nvidia, among others.
However, disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and geopolitical tensions have strained this supply chain. The US and China are currently embroiled in the “chip wars,” with TSMC caught in the crossfire.
Efforts are underway to diversify this dependency. The US is investing substantial funds to attract technology manufacturing, seeking to challenge Taiwan’s dominance. Similarly, the European Union has initiated the European Chips Act, channeling €43 billion in funding until 2030.
The UK finds itself positioned between economic giants but is taking proactive steps to enhance its semiconductor production. A national semiconductor strategy, encompassing investments of up to £200 million by 2025 and £1 billion over the next decade, has been announced. Although critics have questioned the scale of these investments, they mark a significant move forward.
Furthermore, a steering panel comprising semiconductor experts and industry leaders has been established to guide the UK’s semiconductor sector. Americo Lemos, CEO of British semiconductor company IQE and a panel member, views this initial financial injection as a substantial and beneficial step.
The panel of experts is poised to offer guidance on augmenting the UK’s semiconductor industry and fortifying its supply chain resilience, especially in the face of escalating global tensions. Technology Minister Paul Scully emphasizes the importance of engaging with and heeding the advice of experts integral to semiconductor research, design, and production. Such collaboration is deemed essential for nurturing the domestic sector, safeguarding national security, and fostering rapid innovation across the British economy.
