The major government support scheme is Alvey which will continue until 1988 and at present various ideas are being put for~vard to what will take its place (see Microelectronics Journal Vol. 17 No. 2).
Other than Alvey various government support for microelectronics has been given in the past with at least one scheme presently in operation.
In 1978 the microelectronics industry support programme (MISP) was launched and s was made available for research, development and production investment. The programme was successful in encouraging investment of some s
The aims of MISP were to ensure that the electronic equipment industry and through it other industrial sectors had a secure access to internationally competitive microelectronic devices; to ensure a strong UK presence in microelectronic device development, production and design; to establish a sound UK capacity in the design and manufacture of microelectronic device producion equipment and encourage improvements in the infrastructure of the microelectronic industry.
In July 1978 the Microprocessor Application Project (MAP) was set up with assistance being available under the following categories; promoting awareness; encouraging training, funding feasibility studies and supporting development projects. Grants were also available of up to 20% towards the cost of setting up full-scale production and up to 331/3% for market appraisal studies which could be carried out at any stage of the innovation process.
In 1984, to encourage the necessary investment in the development and production of microelectronic components in the infrastructure of the industry, the government allocated s up to 1990 to a further Microelectronics Industry Support Programme which was known as MISP 2. Its broad aims were to ensure that the electronic equipment industry, and through it other industrial sectors, had access to internationally competitive microelectronic components; to ensure a significant United Kingdom presence in the manufacture and design of microelectronic components with a growth rate at least equal to the world average; to encourage improvements in the infrastructure of the microelectronic components industry; to establish a sound United Kingdom capability in the design and manufacture of equipment for the production of microelectronic components to acquire tools and skills for in-house computer-aided design of integrated circuits.
MISP 2 was directed primarily at the development, production and use of microelectronic components, although where research was required within a development programme it was also supported. MISP 2 and the Alvey programme were complementary. Alvey was concerned with basic research in information technology, including advanced integrated circuits and computer-aided design. While MISP 2 helped to ensure that when the results of the Alvey programme emerge, they will be taken through to commercial products. Collaboration was not ruled out under MISP 2 although it is expected to be less likely in view of the more competitive post-research environment.
The ultimate objective of MISP 2 was to assist the United Kingdom electronic equipment industry, and through it other industrial sectors, to improve its performance in world markets. To achieve this, the equipment industry needs advanced electronic components. MISP 2 assissted in this process by encouraging the microelectronics industry's capability to design. develop and produce advanced components.
Support under MISP 2 was concentrated on products and services which were not readily available in the United Kingdom or whose secure supply is in doubt, innovative developments were shown preference.