The UK is embarking on a mission to cultivate semiconductor research partnerships with South Korea.
- The initiative aims to establish a robust collaborative research and development network.
- A three-day programme in February 2025 will involve UK and Korean businesses.
- The mission follows the UK’s collaboration under Horizon Europe with South Korea.
- The initiative marks another step in the UK-South Korea semiconductor partnership.
The British government has announced a strategic mission aimed at enhancing semiconductor ties with South Korea, an influential player in the global semiconductor market. This collaboration is intended to foster innovation and commercialisation of semiconductor technology between the two nations. UK-registered entities in the microchip sector have been invited to apply for a chance to participate in this mission, which will culminate in a three-day programme in February 2025.
Participants will have the opportunity to directly collaborate with their Korean counterparts, focusing on areas critical to the advancement of semiconductor technology. These include heterogeneous integration, advanced packaging, and wide band gap materials, among others. The invitation extends specifically to those active in future telecoms, smart networks, and photonics, sectors where both nations see significant growth potential.
The announcement is set against the backdrop of the UK’s recent strengthened ties with Horizon Europe, which opens up further collaborative prospects with South Korean research entities. Through such initiatives, the UK aims to solidify its position in the global semiconductor landscape, leveraging South Korea’s established market presence. As per Invest Korea, South Korea holds a substantial 17.7% share of the global semiconductor market, highlighting its importance as a partner.
The UK and South Korea’s relationship in the semiconductor field has been progressively developing, marked by the signing of a joint framework for semiconductor cooperation in 2023. Notably, the two countries have previously co-hosted significant events such as the AI Seoul Summit in the same year, where discussions on AI and safety were led by prominent leaders including former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
This mission signifies a robust and forward-thinking collaboration between the UK and South Korea in the semiconductor sector.
