Securing the Future: Why International collaboration matters for the UK semiconductor sector
International cooperation to secure access to critical materials or technologies is nothing new.
Semiconductors are both interconnected and deeply interdependent; whether through access to skills, materials, investment or partnerships, there’s no getting out of this global machine. Instead, the UK must ensure that it is a strong and irreplaceable part of it - and that requires unified, proactive and deep international engagement.
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Where are we now?
Firstly, the UK’s semiconductor sector plays an outsized role in global markets. Nearly every single smartphone today utilises chip architecture designed by Cambridge-based Arm. In 2023, the South Wales cluster alone is estimated to have exported a value of at least £514m, with 90% of its total products exported. Skills too- 23% of new hires for UK companies originate abroad, suggesting the UK remains an attractive destination to international talent.
The rest of the world has taken notice of UK strengths. In the 2025 Semi Impact Forum in June this year, former R&D director at TSMC Konrad Young observed that the UK could play a serious role in low volume, high-variety chips like those need for the biomedical sector. Recent agreements with India and Japan to deepen collaboration in areas like R&D are further signs of this recognition.
The reliance on semiconductors will only become more pronounced as the UK emerges a leader in emerging technologies like quantum, AI and photonics. We have a lot to lose and the UK’s ability to be a ready and willing international partner is key. Building upon this is essential. As emphasised in techUKs UK Plan for Chips, we must turn strategy into action. So, what is needed next?
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Visibility- Utilising the UK Semiconductor Centre
The recently confirmed UK Semiconductor Centre could play an integral role bringing the ecosystem together. Visibility to potential partners and investors, including easy avenues in which to connect with the global ecosystem is vital, especially for the resource-strapped 41% of UK semiconductor businesses with under ten employees. In collaboration with DSIT and organisations such as techUK and the Chips Coalition, the UK Semiconductor Centre should develop an accessible database of UK semiconductor companies. This resource would offer clear insights into the diverse organisations operating across the supply chain. Drawing inspiration from the Department for Business and Trade’s Digital Health Playbook, it would provide both domestic and international collaborators and investors with comprehensive visibility into the depth and capabilities of the UK’s semiconductor sector.
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Deepen partnerships with allied nations
While DSIT, DBT and UKRI have been leading international trade initiatives and delegations, there needs to be a stronger centralised government voice advocating for the UK sector internationally. Meanwhile, techUK has hosted delegations from Japan and wider Asia Pacific regions, which has shown there is great demand to learn more about the UK market. The UK Government should look at securing further international partnerships which could include joint R&D or collaboration in ally nation facilities for semiconductor companies which develop dual-use technologies. Again, this could become an integral role for the UK Semiconductor Centre.
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Further secure access to strategic materials and infrastructure access
The UK Government should collaborate with international partners to establish a shared strategy for strengthening the semiconductor supply chain and ensuring access to critical materials. This effort should involve identifying bottlenecks and vulnerabilities that affect the availability of essential equipment and raw materials needed to support the growth and resilience of UK semiconductor businesses. An example of this challenge can be seen with silicon carbide used in packaging, which the UK does not have a reliable supply of domestically, and even allies like the US imposing export controls on their supply. This access to materials also extends to access to infrastructure, testing, and protyping facilities, which must be a key priority for supporting UK companies to scale. Access to critical materials must also encompass access to essential infrastructure, such as testing, prototyping, and manufacturing facilities, vital for enabling UK companies to scale and compete effectively."
Conclusion
The UK semiconductor sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth, acting as a reliable and attractive partner on the international stage. The government must act now, turning strategy into action to further ensure that UK companies are visible, collaborative and well positioned as irreplicable global partners. Addressing bottlenecks would not only allow the continued growth of the UK sector but secure the UK as a partner and leader in future semiconductor innovation.
To view techUK’s full UK Plan for Chips, which outlines three core missions to support the sector, please click here.
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Elis Thomas
Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on AI, Semiconductors and Digital ID.
