Cluster Scheme for Scottish Semiconductors.

A government-sponsored 'cluster scheme' is to be introduced in the Scottish semiconductor industry to bring together manufacturers, laboratories, university researchers and suppliers to plan areas of improvement for the industry. Scottish Enterprise, an economic development agency, will launch the program on June 14, in a bid to improve investment, education, export and skills, "with a little bit of government support," said a spokesperson. The semiconductor industry in Scotland employs around 8,000 people with six fabricating plants and 100 supply firms. A spokesperson from the Scottish Office, the UK government agency responsible for Scotland, said that the program was representative of "a drive that will help to enhance the knowledge base of Scottish businesses on which their commercial success will depend."