The effect of the defence sector on the UK electronics industry

Reviews the scale of the UK defence research and development (R&D) by comparison with major international activity, and considers several arguments about the positive and negative effects on the electronics industry. The quality and quantity of the supply of engineers to this industry, in the context of potential competition between the defence and civil sectors are considered. The importance of manufacturing industry to the UK economy is stressed pointing out how the civil sector can take greater advantage of defence-sponsored R&D. Several myths are dispelled, and a number of policy issues raised, vital to the UK´s future. It is concluded that a substantial increase in funding should be secured for both civil and military technology