UK Invests £1 Billion to Boost Semiconductor Industry Globally

According to Bloomberg's report on May 19th, the United Kingdom has announced a £1 billion investment (approximately CNY 8.73 billion) over the next decade to support the domestic semiconductor industry and participate in the intense global chip market competition.

However, compared to other countries, this investment amount seems insignificant. In recent months, the United States and the European Union have pledged approximately $50 billion and €43 billion respectively to stimulate the chip manufacturing industry.

The UK government's investment plan is not haphazard; the country will focus on injecting funds into areas where it has comparative advantages, rather than engaging in direct confrontation with other nations.

The global chip shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness among major economies about the importance of domestic chip manufacturing, prompting them to invest in technology and engage in competitions with other countries.

The UK's Department for Science/Innovation and Technology has stated that the government's investment will primarily focus on the semiconductor design sector. Additionally, the UK is targeting the semiconductor compound field, which holds promising applications in emerging technologies such as 5G, electric vehicles, and facial recognition.

According to official sources from the UK government, the £1 billion investment will expand domestic chip manufacturing, protect national security, and mitigate the risks of supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, the UK will strengthen cooperation with close partners to ensure the flexibility of the supply chain.