The UK government has announced the creation of a new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
As part of the new Machinery of Government announcements, the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham MP has decided to merge the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DIST) into a new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).
"Technology is fundamental to the UK’s economic growth, resilience and international competitiveness. Semiconductors have been recognised as one of the essential frontier technologies that are fueling AI and other ground breaking technological advancements.
"We trust that the new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST) will allow for even closer alignment of business and innovation.
"The appointment of Kanishka Narayan MP as Minister for Artificial Intelligence, jointly across DBIST and the Cabinet Office, is also a positive signal of the importance being placed on AI at the centre of government.
"For the semiconductor sector, stronger connections between research, commercialisation, investment, skills, procurement, trade and international partnerships will bring significant benefits. But only if we maintain momentum and investment.
"With organisational change comes uncertainty. We are grateful to colleagues across government and its delivery organisations who have worked with the sector to move UK semiconductor policy from repeated studies and consultation towards practical delivery.
"Over the past year, colleagues across government, industry and the wider semiconductor ecosystem have helped build practical foundations for innovation, skills, investment and growth. The UK Semiconductor Centre and the AI Hardware Plan build on, and contribute to, that wider collective effort. This focus must be maintained and amplified.
"As the new arrangements take shape, the priority should be continuity, clear accountability and measurable results. Businesses and investors value clarity, stability and confidence, while continuity for committed programmes will help maintain momentum through the transition.
"This is an opportunity to strengthen the route from UK technology to commercial and strategic impact."
Andy McLean, Chief Executive Officer, UK Semiconductor Centre
