Asked by: Alan Brown (Scottish National Party - Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
When she plans to publish her Department's semiconductor strategy.
Answered by Paul Scully
Our forthcoming National Semiconductor Strategy will set out an ambitious approach to grow the UK’s world-leading expertise in this critical sector.
Developed through extensive engagement with industry experts and like-minded international partners, it will directly contribute to long-term prosperity as well as our efforts to shape the emerging global digital and technology order.
We will publish our strategy as soon as possible.
Asked by: Alan Brown (Scottish National Party - Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the findings of the Government’s 2022 Research and innovation workforce survey report.
Answered by George Freeman
On 2 March the Government published the results of the first sector wide UK Research and Innovation workforce survey. The UK Science and Technology Framework outlines the Government’s strategic vision and actions for Talent and Skills. This report will support the Government’s work to make the UK the best place in the world to work in research and innovation. It will address evidence gaps related to skills, sectoral and geographical mobility and diversity and inclusion. The publication of the report is a key milestone in delivering the Government’s R&D People and Culture Strategy and will help us to create an attractive, inclusive and diverse working environment for top talent in research and innovation.Asked by: Alan Brown (Scottish National Party - Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to take steps to work with the EU and the Horizon programme on research and innovation projects; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by George Freeman
The Government has been tirelessly pushing the EU to implement the UK’s association to Horizon Europe. The EU has continued to delay UK association to the detriment of researchers and businesses in both the UK and EU.
During these delays the Government introduced the Horizon Europe guarantee, which was recently extended to cover all Horizon calls that close on or before 31 March 2023, enabling UK researchers to participate in international R&I projects.
If the EU’s delay continues, the Government is ready with a set of alternative programs to deploy funds set aside for Horizon fund to honour the R+D ringfence commitment made by the Chancellor at CSR21 to strengthen UK International R+D.