The geographies and geopolitics of industrial policy: Designing a data-driven UK semiconductor strategy

Industrial policy is witnessing a global resurgence. We propose that well-designed industrial policy must consider an industry’s regional structures, global linkages, and (variegated) exposures to geopolitical dynamics. In 2023, the UK government published a National Semiconductor Strategy. The National Semiconductor Strategy aims to grow this high-value sector, mitigate supply chain disruptions and protect national security. However, the strategy relies on an incomplete portrait of the industry’s regional geography, global integration and geopolitical exposures. Using newly available commercial data, this commentary examines 61 leading UK semiconductor firms to offer a far more comprehensive mapping of the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem than the National Semiconductor Strategy. Our analysis reveals overlooked aspects of the UK semiconductor industry. The Midlands and North West emerge as potentially under-recognised semiconductor hubs, with a significant workforce and revenue share. Heavy reliance on US suppliers, customers and investors creates vulnerabilities not addressed in the current strategy. Strong European ties exist, but Brexit-related trade barriers may harm UK firms. Last, we detect a subtle, though probably uncoordinated, pattern of Chinese investment in the sector that could expose UK firms to growing US-China tensions. We recommend that the new UK government take four steps. First, revise the National Semiconductor Strategy based on an up-to-date and systematic survey of the industry’s global linkages. Second, it will enhance its supply chain resilience strategy to address geopolitical risk and Brexit-related frictions. Third, track foreign investment patterns in high technology sectors especially regarding incremental changes in Chinese ownership. Fourth, to do so on the basis of close attention to regional clustering dynamics.