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In a previous story on the Nvidia acquisition the UK government post-Brexit seems to have decided it needs an industrial intervention policy [1]. Unfortunately
by taffronaut 5y ago
In a previous story on the Nvidia acquisition the UK government post-Brexit seems to have decided it needs an industrial intervention policy [1]. Unfortunately after 40 years of a studious lack of interest there's not even the basic understanding at any level. It's painfully obvious whenever they try to express opinions on takeovers and try to link their interest to defence or chip shortages.
There was a flurry of government concern last month [2] when Wingtech/Nexperia announced they were acquiring the UK's "largest semiconductor manufacturer" - actually a small plant in Newport making niche analog and compound semiconductors. It was linked by government spokespeople to games consoles and "computer chips" shortages despite the plant's focus on MOSFET/TIGBT/Silicon Photonics.
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56804007 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56804007
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jul/05/chinese-owned-firm-acquires-uks-largest-semiconductor-manufacturer https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jul/05/chinese-own...
- hughrr 5y agoYeah we sold out our entire component manufacturing operations here to Philips in the past who then sold it on to the Chinese. Same with ARM and SoftBank. We needed to retain this stuff about 40 years ago.
- throw3849 5y agoIt is worth to study Psion story 20 years ago https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/another-british-success-story-passes-history-9234574.html https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/another-...
- banjo_milkman 5y agoThe UK has had an industrial intervention policy for ages. Its undeclared but it basically involves supporting finance, real estate, business services and insurance in London above all other stakeholders in the country.