The Council for Science and Technology (CST) has published a report highlighting the critical role of semiconductors in achieving the UK’s economic and security goals. The report also sets out the opportunity for the UK to build a globally competitive AI chip design industry.

The council provides independent advice to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The report contains recommendations covering the skills and training required to build an AI chip workforce, finance and investment needs, and the infrastructure capabilities the UK requires to achieve this.

CST recommends that DSIT and DfE should increase the number of new chip designers in the UK workforce by 2030 and that DSIT and DfE should consider how to expand investment in training and skills for optoelectronics, in particular through the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC).

It is recommended that DSIT and MOD should set clear strategic objectives on semiconductors to send a strong signal to the UK semiconductor industry on where activity is most useful.

The government should coordinate investment through the entire innovation pipeline to support growth of the UK AI chip industry and DSIT should ensure the UK’s semiconductor infrastructure provides SME chip companies and academics with affordable and timely access to facilities.

Finally, DSIT and DBT should explore UK access to the leading-edge technology required by UK startups.