How advanced communications technology and high-value manufacturing can support the UK’s industrial ambitions
By Laurence Scullion, Director of Production Engineering, Filtronic
To achieve the government’s industrial strategy ambitions for sustainable growth and global competitiveness, it is essential to prioritise complex industries such as high-performance mmWave technology and high-value manufacturing. Focusing on markets where UK innovators excel with world-leading capabilities will be crucial in driving global competitive advantage.
The UK’s modern industrial strategy sets out the government’s aims to build on the country’s strengths in research, innovation, trade and creativity to secure sustainable economic growth and position the UK as a global leader in emerging industries.
Key to achieving the ambitions of the industrial strategy is developing the advanced communications and computing technologies required to power new innovations. The UK can play a leading role by leveraging its technological expertise and investing in high-value manufacturing to produce the specialised components and systems demanded by global markets.
At the heart of this transformation is the rise of Industry 4.0, which is driving the adoption of AI, automation, and smart manufacturing. Modern industries rely on seamless, high-frequency connectivity to enable real-time data exchange, industrial IoT, and autonomous production lines. As a radio frequency (RF) pioneer, Filtronic is working on transformational technologies and developing the precision, niche manufacturing capabilities needed to support the delivery of the UK’s industrial strategy goals.
How Filtronic is supporting the UK’s industrial ambitions:
1. Driving innovation and research
The UK’s target is to increase research and development investment to 2.4% of GDP. Filtronic share this vision and invest heavily in innovation in all its forms including product, process and operations.
The industrial strategy advocates greater partnership between academia, industry and government. Similarly, Filtronic are actively engaged with academic partners in developing cutting-edge RF and millimetre-wave (mmWave) systems critical for the roll-out and expansion of 5G and 6G networks, satellite communications and emerging quantum technologies.
There is now a strong research and development ecosystem in the UK, including more than 140 science parks and nine research and technology catapults across the country. Filtronic is actively working with the ‘satellite applications’ and ‘high-value manufacturing’ catapults, to explore the opportunities for space technologies and develop advanced manufacturing techniques to boost performance and productivity.
2. Building telecommunications and digital infrastructure
The UK industrial strategy includes a commitment to rolling out 5G mobile networks, providing the high-speed, reliable, ultra-low latency wireless connections required by modern industries and applications. Underpinning 5G networks are mmWave technologies that enable high-frequency, high-bandwidth communication in a crowded frequency spectrum. Filtronic is at the forefront of developing these ultra-high capacity mmWave sub-systems for 5G networks.
Looking to the future, mmWave and terahertz (THz) frequencies will be at the heart of developing 6G networks, supporting the UK’s vision for future mobility and data connectivity. Such systems are also required for quantum technologies, which are a strategic priority for the UK, including quantum sensing, communication and computing systems.
3. Growing global competitiveness
Developing and manufacturing advanced technologies in the UK is key to improving our competitiveness in the global marketplace. Filtronic is part of the north-east and Yorkshire space clusters, working with complementary companies to position the UK as a hub for space technology. Our mmWave solutions for space are already enabling the rapid expansion of satellite communication networks.
By developing world-class communications products in the UK, we are helping to strengthen the country’s export potential. Increasing exports of specialised technologies will support economic growth and help to meet the government’s international trade objectives.
4. Sovereign defence and security
In a dynamic and often unpredictable geopolitical climate, the UK must continue to reinforce its sovereign defence capabilities. The RF and mmWave systems developed by Filtronic are essential components in secure communication networks, radar and electronic warfare systems. These systems deliver strategically important defence capabilities for the UK, as well supporting jobs and investment in the defence sector.
5. Developing workforce skills
The UK government has long recognised the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education for the future competitiveness of the UK economy. Building and maintaining a workforce with a wide range of STEM skills will enable the UK to continue researching, designing and manufacturing the advanced systems and technologies necessary to keep pace with global developments.
Filtronic is working hard to attract, train and retain engineers and technical specialists in RF and mmWave systems. Only with such a highly skilled workforce will we, and other UK engineering firms, be able to meet global demand for innovation across multiple industries.
6. Levelling up regional economies
There is huge untapped potential in regions throughout the UK, beyond the commercial centres of London and the south-east. Already, many regions are competing internationally in industries ranging from fintech and aerospace to creative services and renewable energy.
From our base in north-east England, Filtronic is working with other businesses and academics to create a regional hub for high-value manufacturing, and advanced RF technologies.
Shaping up for the future
As the UK navigates its position in the evolving global industrial landscape, businesses like Filtronic—driven by research, innovation, and leading-edge technology development—are key to securing the country’s future growth and competitiveness. Filtronic’s advanced manufacturing techniques enable the cost-effective, reliable, and cutting-edge production of microwave and millimetre-wave solutions, meeting the demands of large-scale Defence and Space projects without compromising on performance or quality.
As technologies continue to advance and new applications are devised, the need for fast, reliable, instant access to data will mean ever more sophisticated communication systems are needed to support them. By continuously enhancing our capabilities in mmWave technology and high-value manufacturing, Filtronic can help to position the UK as a world leader in these essential components for future industries.
To find out more about how we can help solve your mmWave challenges, contact us at [email protected].