Forum aims to grow electronic systems sector into £120bn industry

The report says the UK's electronic systems sector could be contributing £120billion per annum to the economy by 2020, as well as creating another 150,000 skilled jobs. The Electronic Systems Leadership Forum (ESLF) will be chaired by East and include Juergen Maier of Siemens, Imagination's ceo Hossein Yassaie, Keith Williams of Altran and Indro Mukerjee, ceo of Plastic Logic. "There is huge opportunity for industry and government to work together on a modern industrial partnership strategy," said East. "UK based Electronic Systems companies will lead the world if we get this right, and at the same time drive economic growth in the UK." The Leadership Forum will work within the UK electronic systems community, as well as with government and academia, to build close ties with leadership groups from other industries in taking forward the ESCO Report's blueprint for transforming the electronic systems sector in the UK. Key areas for early focus will be e-health, transport and smart energy. Yassaie commented: "It is essential that the UK does everything possible to strengthen its strategic position on the world stage, achieve scale and participate in every stage of the value chain. "Through this Forum, we have a unique opportunity to work together to make a substantive and sustainable difference to the UK's global competitiveness; I expect other key stakeholders to join us in this new Forum and help in playing a strong role in delivering its success"