Jayne said:

be world leading in this sector to help inform a policy position and identify areas to explore in more depth

Holding up 'semiconductors' as an item of interest for Gov't policy/in-depth exploration is a bit like saying sugar production needs increasing because people like sweet food. There are so many assumptions in the statement and the picture is murky because humans are not conforming to one 'normal', nor do groups of humans like threat groups conform to one normal. The policy on the matters raised - growth, mitigation and protect are all better served IMO by policies that encourage and foster diversity of solutions to problems. Creative thinking and adding complexity of the way we do things prevents one strike defeats all type threats. \modular energy solutions do not suit the big energy suppliers, but actually diversifying down to small makes for super reliable sustainable communities. Thinking more about the way we share solutions IPR for the common good and protect/reward the people sharing would speed up UK growth. Challenging the technology sector to actually be energy concious and able to show whole-life neutral or positive impact on our planet would force UK to lead this sector in the long term because businesses do not see it as economical to compete right now. Why are so many people riding electric bikes, scooters, skates and driving when actually walking would have been the best solution had that electric option not been there? Without Govt policy our business fill the need to lazy with these gadgets and make us less fit as a nation.

So semiconductors are just one tiny part of the technology equation that research seeks to replace with more advanced solutions. If we used policy then I suspect we would find ourselves always one step behind and unable to compete. Policy needs to grow the way we research and develop and open doors to experimentation. Trial and error has revealed most technological leaps and now we need that to be the best informed trial and result analysis the UK can afford. Just don't focus too early on any one aspect.

Jayne said:

be world leading in this sector to help inform a policy position and identify areas to explore in more depth

Holding up 'semiconductors' as an item of interest for Gov't policy/in-depth exploration is a bit like saying sugar production needs increasing because people like sweet food. There are so many assumptions in the statement and the picture is murky because humans are not conforming to one 'normal', nor do groups of humans like threat groups conform to one normal. The policy on the matters raised - growth, mitigation and protect are all better served IMO by policies that encourage and foster diversity of solutions to problems. Creative thinking and adding complexity of the way we do things prevents one strike defeats all type threats. \modular energy solutions do not suit the big energy suppliers, but actually diversifying down to small makes for super reliable sustainable communities. Thinking more about the way we share solutions IPR for the common good and protect/reward the people sharing would speed up UK growth. Challenging the technology sector to actually be energy concious and able to show whole-life neutral or positive impact on our planet would force UK to lead this sector in the long term because businesses do not see it as economical to compete right now. Why are so many people riding electric bikes, scooters, skates and driving when actually walking would have been the best solution had that electric option not been there? Without Govt policy our business fill the need to lazy with these gadgets and make us less fit as a nation.

So semiconductors are just one tiny part of the technology equation that research seeks to replace with more advanced solutions. If we used policy then I suspect we would find ourselves always one step behind and unable to compete. Policy needs to grow the way we research and develop and open doors to experimentation. Trial and error has revealed most technological leaps and now we need that to be the best informed trial and result analysis the UK can afford. Just don't focus too early on any one aspect.