May. 24, 2023 /SemiMedia/ -- British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a semiconductor partnership with the Japanese government, seeking to reduce geopolitical risk by diversifying its chip supply chain, according to reports.

Sunak said its semiconductor partnership with Japan will include R&D collaboration and skills exchange, strengthening each country's domestic sector and enhancing supply chain resilience.

According to insiders, the strategy will include the government spending £1bn in the medium term on the chips that underpin all modern technology, from smartphones to cars.

Scott White, co-founder of Pragmatic Semiconductor, said £1 billion seemed like the right level for the UK, a country with a smaller economy and industrial base than the US or Germany. But he added that it would have to be distributed in a relatively short period of time for it to really work.

The UK's semiconductor strategy will emphasize the need for the UK to reduce its reliance on semiconductor imports from geopolitically sensitive regions.