Report highlights CSA Cataput's impact on UK economy
A new report, published by the Welsh Economy Research Unit at Cardiff University, highlights the economic contribution of Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult, the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation.
The report shows that employment safeguarded or created through R&D projects with CSA Catapult has contributed over £600m of gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy.
The report confirms the breadth of CSA Catapult’s R&D activity across the UK and its economic contribution to the compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales.
Key findings between 2019-23 include: 4,718 jobs created or safeguarded by CSA Catapult projects; CSA Catapult supported 156 R&D projects and worked with 215 SMEs and 40 large organisations; and that £15m of external R&D funding received by CSA Catapult generates a long-term benefit to UK productivity of between £56m and £86m
CSA Catapult forms an important part of the compound semiconductor cluster in Wales. The cluster as a whole has seen its gross value added (GVA) more than doubled in the period since 2019 and currently employs close to 1,800 people in well paid and highly skilled activity.
Through 20 R&D collaborations involving every public and private organisation within the cluster, CSA Catapult has helped to create or safeguard an estimated 650 jobs.
CSA Catapult’s role in technology acceleration for UK industry
The report says that the average improvement in technology readiness level (TRL) in the 81 projects that the Catapult was involved in, where the data is available, was 1.8. TRL is a measurement to assess the maturity level of a particular technology. Of these 81 projects, six projects increased TRL levels by four or above.
Martin McHugh, CEO of CSA Catapult said: “The purpose of CSA Catapult is to deliver long-term economic benefit to the UK, accelerating economic growth wherever the application of compound semiconductors creates a competitive advantage, new products or markets.
“It is clear from this report that we are delivering on this and making a significant contribution to the UK economy. Through our collaborations with organisations across the country, we’re helping to create and safeguard jobs and are making a significant contribution to the UK’s productivity.
“Our expertise is helping businesses to accelerate their technologies and bring their products and services to market quicker, which ultimately makes the UK more productive and competitive.”
To download the report, click here.
