24 July 2009
The UK is a good place to do electronics
Reviewing the state of the UK electronics industry in the latest issue of New Electronics has been an interesting challenge. But what it has shown is that, despite outward appearances, the UK's electronics industry is alive and well – particularly at the advanced technology end. And some companies wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
The 'marker' for the industry was laid down at the end of 2004, when the Electronics Innovation and Growth Team (EIGT) published its report after 18 months of research. The 'digested read' said that UK electronics had to get its act together if it was to have a viable future.
The EIGT made a number of recommendations, including setting up the Electronics Leadership Council and the UK Electronics Alliance. It also suggested that a 'national enthusiasm' was needed for new technology.
So has the EIGT's report made a difference? On the face of it, you have to say yes, but there are things which remain outside of the industry's control. Skills, to a certain extent, is one of the continuing problems. While the industry can upgrade the skills of its employees, getting new blood continues to be problematic. Then there's finance; but companies are always concerned about this.
One of the 'big ticket' items that remains to be resolved, however, is access to the Government's public procurement budget. The process remains complex and tends to exclude SMEs – who comprise some 80% of the UK electronics sector – from benefiting.
Overall, the UK electronics sector appears to be in good shape, although the current economic climate isn't making things any easier. But it would be better off with some targeted Government assistance. As one contributor noted, if the Government is capable of spending billions to prop up the banks, it surely must be capable of finding millions to boost a sector whose technology is pervasive.
Author
Graham Pitcher
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