Strategic and sustained investment is vital in securing the UK semi-conductor supply chain, which impacts every area of modern life, a report launched at Queen’s University Belfast states.
The technology, sometimes called ‘chips’ is vital to all transport, from cars to aeroplanes. It is used in mobile phones, for the internet, and to power AI. It is present in life-saving hospital equipment; in farming, ensuring safe and secure food supply; and in all machines and appliances in our homes and our industries.
However, the supply of the technology is not currently secure, and this is a major concern for researchers and industry.
After engaging with more than 800 UK-based academics and industry experts, a landmark report, ‘Semiconductor Research Development: the UK Academic Landscape’ has been launched at Queen’s University Belfast today by the eFutures team. eFutures is funded by UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
The report, which is the first of its kind, offers a comprehensive national academic view on the UK capabilities. It is the largest evidence-base for UK Research and Development (R&D) in semiconductors and covers the current and future potential of UK university research into semiconductors.
The report makes seven key recommendations to the UK Government. These focus on what semiconductor research to prioritise going forward, infrastructural investments, retaining and recruiting talent, and about what a National Semiconductor Centre should and could do.
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Professor Roger Woods, who led the report at Queen’s University Belfast, explains: “Without access to semiconductors, there is no modern life. The supply of this vital technology is not currently secure and that is a major worry for any country. This report recognises and stresses the need to unleash strategic and sustained investment nationally to secure a resilient semiconductor supply chain for the UK and keep modern society moving.
Beth McEvoy from Queen’s University was also involved in the report. She says: “We have established that the UK university research base is the foundation on which the UK Government should seek to rebuild domestic innovation in this sector, increase national security, and grow the economy. There is an immediate need for the Government to act to realise this potential.”
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance. Read the Summer 2025 Sync NI Magazine online for free here.
