Powering AI Innovation in a Complex Global Landscape: Highlights from the Semi Impact Forum 2025 Opening Session

The buzz hasn’t faded.

Nearly a month after the Semi Impact Forum 2025 took centre stage during London Tech Week, the conversations it sparked continue to resonate. Held at the prestigious Royal Society, this landmark event was the only semiconductor-focused forum of its kind in London – and it delivered. From policy leaders and investors to semiconductor pioneers and AI visionaries, the forum brought together the sharpest minds navigating the future of chips, Europe, and Taiwan.

As we begin a series of reflections on the key topics explored during the forum, we start with the voices that set the tone from the outset. The opening remarks painted a clear picture: semiconductors and AI are not just technological frontiers – they are strategic imperatives.

Taiwan’s Vision: A Blueprint for Resilient Innovation

Vincent Chin-Hsiang Yao, Representative of the Taipei Representative Office in the UK, opened the session with a powerful message: semiconductors are at the heart of global progress. With Taiwan producing 90% of the world’s advanced chips and supported by a workforce of over 300,000 skilled engineers, the country stands as a cornerstone of supply chain resilience and innovation.

He introduced Taiwan’s ambitious “AI New 10 Construction Initiative” – a national roadmap aiming to build AI platforms, quantum computing infrastructure, smart cities, and embed AI across one million local enterprises. More than a show of strength, this initiative underscores Taiwan’s intent to build joint ecosystems, with the UK as a natural partner grounded in shared values of openness and innovation.

UK–Taiwan Collaboration in a Geopolitical Era

Russ Shaw CBE, founder of Tech London Advocates and Global Tech Advocates, spotlighted the grassroots strength of the UK’s tech community and its evolving global ties. He spoke of emerging UK–Taiwan initiatives like the Chips Coalition, the Semi Gateway platform, and the Taiwan AI Server Lines – all designed to link capabilities across both regions and secure shared advancement in design, IP, and packaging.

For the UK to stay globally competitive, Shaw stressed, partnerships like these are more than strategic – they are essential.

Shaping Industrial Policy for the Future

Sue Daley of techUK shared insights from the UK’s latest national strategy for semiconductors and AI. She outlined three core priorities: converting the UK’s technical strengths into global leadership, increasing investment, and scaling through international partnerships. Emphasising the need for government–industry alignment, she called for proactive, long-term policy frameworks to secure the UK’s place in an increasingly complex global semiconductor landscape.

From Taiwan’s Legacy to a Shared Future

ShaoLan Hsueh, Chair of Semi Ventures, reflected on Taiwan’s 50-year semiconductor journey—from humble beginnings and international collaboration to world leadership. Rather than domination, she framed Taiwan’s role as a partner in progress, advocating for lasting UK–Taiwan ties. Her vision for the Semi Gateway initiative is clear: build alliances, not just networks.