The UK is to strengthen its semiconductor profile in Bulgaria, which is undergoing rapid growth and becoming a gateway to eastern markets.
The UK government has announced a Green Silicon Carbide factory will be built as it strives to combine its compound semiconductor expertise with Bulgaria’s manufacturing capacity.
Bulgaria now produces about 80% of sensors used in European cars and hosts modern research and development centres and smart factories (for example, Melexis in Sofia, Sensata and Schneider Electric in Plovdiv). Its electronics sector is projected to grow to €2.7bn by 2028.
The €1bn EU-backed research and development push and EU Chips Act 2023 provide a strong policy framework for developing partnerships.
The two countries aim to bolster supply chain security, accelerate innovation and spur talent and skills growth. gasworld