Tech friendly strategy rolled out, but will the electronics sector take advantage?

1 min read

It's been a busy period when it comes to Government support for the UK's industrial sector. Hot on the heels of the Budget, which reinforced the value of technology research, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) rolled out its Industrial Strategy which, it said, provides a 'long-term vision for how Britain can build on its economic strengths, address its productivity performance, embrace technological change and boost the earning power of people across the UK'.

It will also enter into what it calls 'sector deals'. In one of these, the Government is to work with the AI sector to make the UK the 'go-to' destination for AI innovation and investment. In another, it will work with the automotive sector to ensure the UK benefits from the transition to ultra-low and zero-emission vehicles by continuing to build the agile, innovative and cost competitive supply chain needed to secure internationally investment.

It has also identified five foundations of productivity - ideas, people, infrastructure, business environment and places.

Tony King-Smith, CEO of the ElecTech Council, said: "It's the most tech friendly thing we've seen. We have to see it as a call for the electronics sector to do something. We can't sit back and wait for an invitation, though; we have to engage with these opportunities now."

Of course, the $64,000 question is whether the UK's electronics sector will respond.