This collab will help strengthen supply chain resilience
The newly established Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in the UK has unveiled the country’s National Semiconductor Strategy, aiming to boost the semiconductor industry with a $US1 billion investment over the next decade. In a recent exchange between DSIT and Dr. Shih-Chieh Chang, General Director of Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories at the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of Taiwan, the potential for a trustable partnership between the two countries was discussed, highlighting the opportunity to leverage collective strengths for mutual benefit.
Dr. Chang emphasized that Taiwan could serve as a reliable partner for the UK, particularly in enhancing the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain. While the UK possesses advanced capabilities in semiconductor IP design and compound semiconductor technology, ITRI brings extensive expertise in semiconductor technology research and development (R&D) and trial production. Dr. Chang suggested that collaboration between the two entities could involve consultation services for advanced packaging pilot lines, pre-production evaluation, and connecting British semiconductor IP design companies with Taiwan’s semiconductor industry chain. Such collaboration, he noted, would generate mutually advantageous outcomes for both Taiwan and the UK.
The British Office Taipei highlighted the increasing collaboration between the UK and Taiwan in the semiconductor sector, citing the memorandum of understanding signed between the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult (CSA Catapult) and ITRI in 2020. Additionally, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is focusing on the Digital Trade Network in Taiwan to enhance the UK’s capability to support semiconductor trade and investment. Recognizing ITRI as a key driver of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry development, the British Office Taipei expressed its eagerness for further cooperation with ITRI to foster technological innovation, supply chain collaboration, and stronger partnership.
Dr. Chang outlined potential areas of collaboration that align with the goals of the UK’s National Semiconductor Strategy. ITRI can assist in establishing relevant pilot lines by providing necessary resources to address existing gaps and offering consultation services covering design, packaging, and testing before mass production. This collaborative effort would help reduce the UK’s dependence on external suppliers and create job opportunities while minimizing supply chain disruptions. By linking Taiwan’s complete semiconductor industry chain, the UK’s resilience in the global market would be significantly enhanced, with comprehensive solutions expediting time-to-market for innovative products and accelerating overall industrial development.
ITRI has already established successful partnerships with British entities, such as CSA Catapult in GaN semiconductor technologies and a renowned British semiconductor equipment manufacturer. Furthermore, in collaboration with a leading British semiconductor IP manufacturer, ITRI has built a platform to support start-ups in developing competitive new products by leveraging key patents. Building on these achievements, ITRI aims to expand its collaborative efforts with the UK in 2023, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for both sides.
The collaboration between the UK and Taiwan in the semiconductor sector holds great potential for strengthening supply chain resilience, promoting technological advancements, and fostering innovation. By leveraging their respective expertise and resources, both countries can forge a robust partnership that contributes to the growth and competitiveness of the semiconductor industry on a global scale.
