Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Deferred
Paragraph: 79
We recognise that many Government departments have an interest in the semiconductor industry, and that...
Conclusion
We recognise that many Government departments have an interest in the semiconductor industry, and that these interests may overlap. But, in our view, the value of semiconductors to so many sectors of the UK economy and to UK national infrastructure, combined with the national security necessity of safeguarding 40 The semiconductor industry in the UK semiconductor supply, make it essential that a single Government department takes responsibility for nurturing the semiconductor industry in the UK and for security of supplies. We believe that that department should be BEIS, because of its overarching responsibility for industrial strategy, business support, engagement with industry and policy on research funding, and because of its role in protecting UK industrial assets from undue control by overseas entities.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will drive innovation and work closely across government, including with the Department for Business and Trade, to ensure coherence in industrial strategy, research, and international cooperation, rather than BEIS taking sole responsibility.
Paragraph Reference:
79
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
There is a need for clear and transparent Government leadership on semiconductor technologies, given their importance both as a UK industry, and as an underpinning technology to the world’s wider digital economy. With this goal in mind, the Government has therefore made a number of changes to departmental structures, including through the creation of a dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. This new department will drive the innovation that will deliver improved public services, create new and better-paid jobs and grow the economy. Having a single department focussed on turning scientific and technical innovations into practical, appliable solutions to the challenges we face will help make sure the UK is the most innovative economy in the world. It will take over the sponsorship of UKRI, which will remain our largest and most important funder of R&D. 6 The Semiconductor industry in the UK: Further Government Response As with all policy areas, there are cross cutting links for semiconductors (and their supply chains) across Government. the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will continue to work closely across Government, including with the newly formed Department for Business and Trade, to ensure that all aspects of the UKs’ policy on industrial strategy, research and international cooperation are joined up and coherent.