Semiconductors have been at the heart of some hefty global supply chain snarls, affecting a wide spectrum of industries. These include mobile phones, car manufacturing, and even lightbulbs.

Computer and tech companies have been struggling to keep up with roaring demand that started when workers shifted to working from home. Coronavirus factory shutdowns slammed chipmakers’ capacity to produce, leading to a backlog of orders. 

Firms like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) have been prioritising higher-value chips that are more lucrative to their businesses. These are called leading-edge chips, and they use the most advanced manufacturing process (also known as a node) to produce.

UK Parliament Chair's comment

Commenting on the new inquiry, Committee Chair Darren Jones said,

“Semiconductors are growing in technological and geopolitical importance. With scarce global supply, it’s essential that we conduct a stock take of the UK’s capacity and what Government can do to raise it.

We want to hear from industry, academics and experts to get a better picture of the UK semiconductor landscape here at a time when there are concerns over the future of global supply chains.”

Uk Parliament, 2022. Inquiry launched into the Semiconductor Industry in the UK.