By John Browne
Publication Date: 2025-11-13 18:26:00
TThe UK is in a uniquely promising and poorly understood position to play a lucrative role in the coming age of artificial intelligence – but only if it also seizes the opportunity to start producing millions of computer chips.
AI requires large quantities of chips and we could meet up to 5% of global demand if we pool our national efforts.
Our legacy in chip design is world-class and begins with the first general-purpose electronic computer, the first electronic memory and the first parallel computer. Today we have Cambridge-based Arm, a quiet titan that designs more than 90% of the world’s chips for phones and tablets.
With such a pedigree, it is no idle daydream for British companies to capture a significant portion of the AI chip market. 5% is a conservative, achievable goal. World-class universities, a thriving foundational AI company in DeepMind and a robust innovation ecosystem give the UK the practical tools it needs to compete.
The reward of success is…
