The word on the street

27/05/08

Technology Industry tests green future

Industrialists, analysts and academia representing many of the leading semiconductor, optoelectronics and compound semiconductor equipment companies and organisations across Europe gathered in Cardiff recently in search of greener technologies to help secure continued growth for the industry.

Putting their collective theories and research to the test at the Semiconductor 2K Conference 2008 (S2K 2008), the 115-strong contingent explored the various challenges the industry will be facing over the next decade and evaluated the impact of emerging technologies such plastic electronics which could have exciting applications in electronic paper and solar panels.

The need for better industry collaboration also formed a key theme of the event.

Mike Smyth, S2K Chairman explains: “The semiconductor industry has faced a number of challenges in recent years as businesses gear up to meet the needs of an increasingly more environmentally conscious end user while keeping manufacturing costs to a minimum. Other issues such as solutions to monitor and increase wafer yield, or looking at the pros and cons of organic vs. inorganic thin film transistor circuits used in plastic electronics were also on the agenda.

“S2K 2008 wanted to stress the importance of better industry collaboration within the UK and Europe - fittingly, here in Wales, where the semiconductor industry has made significant inroads to cement a viable future for the technology and manufacturing infrastructure.”

Dr Rick Sivan, Vice President of Research and Development at Newport-based International Rectifier (IR) – the world’s oldest independent semiconductor supplier - demonstrated how the need for better collaboration and green thinking could result in products such as washing machines which not only put the environment at their core, but turn traditional machine drum technology on its head.

“By adopting just a few small energy-saving technologies, we could save as much as $1.7 trillion (USD) or 30% of our energy-consumption in a single year. This can then go directly into improving the global standard of living while simultaneously reducing the impact on our environment.”
Organised by the Joint Equipment and Materials Initiative (JEMI), which represents over 70 companies in the Micro, Nano and Semiconductor industries, with support from the Welsh Electronic Forum and Welsh Assembly Government, this is the second year that the event has been held in Wales.

Dr Chris Young, Chief Executive of the Welsh Electronics Forum said that she is hopeful this event will find a permanent home in the Welsh Capital.

“By focussing on the big challenges facing society, S2K has demonstrated the opportunities for the Welsh technology industry to be part of the solution by developing tomorrow’s technologies.”

“In Wales, the technology and semiconductor industry employs almost 27,000 people and comprises more than 650 companies and we are confident that companies like IQE, IR and STS can continue to place both the semiconductor and wider technology industry center stage.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors:
About S2K:
S2K 2008 is now in its 9th year and each year it has focussed on providing the delegates with the opportunity to experience and assess the major trends influencing the micro, nano and associated industries in Europe. Supported by many of the major industry players including JEMI UK, SEMI, NMI and others, the 2008 event focussed on some of the up and coming sectors which will drive and support consumer demand in the future.

About the Welsh Electronics Forum:
The information, communications, technology and telecoms industry is a key enabler for every other sector of the Welsh economy making:

  • carbon neutrality achievable
  • telemedicine in the community more accessible
  • financial transactions more secure
  • gaming more realistic
  • space exploration possible
  • homeland security more effective
  • retail stock management just-in-time

Promoting worldwide confidence in Welsh technology, telecoms, electronics, semiconductors, IT and software, the Welsh Electronics Forum reflects the progressive and vibrant nature of Wales’ most exciting industry. Speaking with a single, unified voice, and harnessing the skills and synergy of its members, the Forum champions the industry and provides support for the challenges it faces.

The Welsh Information, Communications, Technology and Telecoms industry consists of more than 600 companies that between them contribute 2% to Welsh GVA and provide nearly 27,000 high quality jobs.

 

Further information contact, M & M Communications on 079 5869 0659 or buzz@mandmcomms.com