Showcasing British Innovation on the Global Stage
In a groundbreaking move, the United Kingdom is sending its first-ever Semiconductors business delegation to Taiwan, led by Professor Julia Sutcliffe, Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
This historic delegation, comprising 19 high-growth, innovative British businesses, plans to visit Taiwan from September 5th. The visit will culminate in a prominent UK Pavilion at the 2023 SEMICON Taiwan event. With Taiwan at the forefront of global semiconductor manufacturing, this delegation aims to foster trade, investment, and research collaborations within the sector.
A Platform for Collaboration in Taiwan
As a significant step following the publication of the UK’s National Semiconductor Strategy in May, the UK delegation arrives at SEMICON Taiwan 2023 poised to spotlight the nation’s strengths in compound semiconductors, research and development (R&D), and intellectual property (IP) and chip design.
The showcase will feature demonstrations from 19 British businesses, highlighting their innovative designs, software, equipment, and materials. These presentations represent just a fraction of the UK’s dynamic semiconductor sector.
Strengthening Ties Through MoUs
The UK Semiconductor delegation’s visit rests on the foundation of two crucial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The first MoU, signed in 2020, established a partnership between the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult and Taiwan’s ITRI, followed by another agreement last year between Innovate UK and Taiwan’s Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA.
These agreements, coupled with recent announcements of bilateral R&D funding competitions, set the foundation for fruitful collaborations. Both the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult and Innovate UK are joining the delegation, further cementing the bilateral partnership between the UK and Taiwan.
Beyond SEMICON: Exploring R&D Opportunities
Beyond the SEMICON Taiwan event, the delegation is scheduled to participate in an innovative R&D pitch forum hosted at ITRI in Hsinchu. This forum provides an additional avenue for UK businesses to present their cutting-edge research and ideas, fostering deeper connections and potential collaborations.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Scientific Bonds
The CSA at DBT, Professor Julia Sutcliffe, has an ambitious itinerary. Her engagements include meetings with Audrey Tang, Minister of Digital Affairs, to follow up on collaborative opportunities discussed during Minister Tang’s visit to the London Tech Week in June.
Additionally, Professor Sutcliffe is set to visit prominent institutions including UMC, Academia Sinica, and Taiwan Space Agency. These interactions aim to solidify the UK’s scientific and technological partnerships with Taiwan.
A Vision of Collaboration
Reflecting on the upcoming visit, Professor Sutcliffe expressed her enthusiasm:
“I am delighted to lead the first-ever UK Semiconductors business delegation to Taiwan. Taiwan’s robust semiconductor ecosystem, encompassing design, foundry, assembly, and testing facilities, presents an exciting opportunity for collaboration.”
She highlighted the UK’s leadership in emerging semiconductor materials, design, IP, and device research.
With the global demand for electronics rapidly expanding in sectors like electric vehicles, smart cities, telecommunications, and healthcare, as well as the need for innovation in green energy, collaboration between the UK and Taiwan in the semiconductor sector holds substantial promise.
Joining Hands at SEMICON Taiwan
The UK Pavilion at SEMICON Taiwan is set to open with an inaugural ceremony on September 6th at 11:00 a.m. Visitors can explore the innovative offerings showcased by the 19 British businesses at Booth J3134, 1st Floor, TaiNEX 1.
Additionally, on the same day, Professor Sutcliffe will take the stage at the TechXPOT of SEMICON Taiwan to present the topic
“The UK Semiconductors Landscape and Innovation Collaboration Opportunities.”
The presentation is scheduled for 3:40 pm to 4:20 pm at TechXPOT Stage (Booth L1100), 4th Floor, TaiNEX 1.
Pioneering Leadership and Collaboration
Professor Julia Sutcliffe brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Business and Trade. Appointed in February 2023, she offers science and engineering counsel to departmental ministers and senior officials, fostering evidence-based decision-making.
With a strong commitment to bolstering internal scientific capabilities and championing cross-government insights, Professor Sutcliffe’s leadership extends to promoting STEM and diversity within STEM professions.
As the head of the Government Science and Engineering Profession at DBT, she ensures the integration of robust science and engineering evidence into policy and operational practices. Professor Sutcliffe’s collaborative approach aligns with her counterparts across departments to address cross-cutting scientific issues, cementing her as a driving force behind UK-Taiwan collaborations in the semiconductor realm.
Sources: THX News & British Office Taipei.
