Graphene-based electronics company Paragraf has published a plan identifying key improvement areas such as resources, infrastructure and skills.
One of Paragraf’s concerns is over the international worker visa system for foreign staff who have been hired in the UK’s semiconductor sector. The firm stated that to ensure a steady flow of talented individuals, the process must be quick and straightforward.
Support for “basic infrastructure” is another area that needs to be addressed as the chip firm thinks there is a lack of sites that are equipped to deal with the production of semiconductors.
The company is also asking for the government to announce the Semiconductor Advisory Panel.
Another suggestion by the semiconductor firm is for more support to be funnelled into the education sector, the paper questioned if related university degrees will get more places.
Working with international partners is “critical” for the UK, according to Paragraf, due to the government’s buying power along with the country’s economy.
Frustration with the semiconductor strategy is nothing new for Paragraf, which was a signatory of the Semiconductor Leadership Group’s paper that asked for better collaboration between the government and the semiconductor industry.
Previously the graphene startup has gone as far as to say it would consider a move to the US if the government failed to put in place a semiconductor strategy.
The government set out plans for a £1bn semiconductor strategy in May but was met with disappointment by the UK tech sector.
US-based biocompatible chip firm Cardea Bio was acquired by Paragraf earlier this year.
Co-founder and CEO of Paragraf, Dr. Simon Thomas recently featured on UKTN’s podcast, where he spoke about how the semiconductor strategy has fallen short.
Read the original article on UKTech News.
