CSconnected gives evidence to Senedd inquiry on inward investment in Wales
14th January 2026
CSconnected’s Managing Director, Howard Rupprecht, has given evidence to the Senedd Cymru’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee as part of its inquiry into inward investment in Wales.
Appearing before the Committee, CSconnected shared industry-led insight drawn from more than a decade of experience supporting the growth of the South Wales compound semiconductor cluster, one of the UK’s most advanced and internationally recognised technology ecosystems.
In its evidence, CSconnected highlighted how a focused, sector-led approach to inward investment, underpinned by real industrial capability and long-term collaboration between industry, academia and government, has delivered significant economic impact for Wales.
Over the past 10 years, companies at the core of the cluster, including IQE, KLA, Vishay and Microchip, have committed over £600 million in private investment to expand manufacturing and R&D activity in South Wales. This growth has been complemented by the attraction of new companies and start-ups such as Space Forge and Microlink UK, strengthening the region’s industrial depth and resilience.
Today, the South Wales compound semiconductor cluster supports around 3,000 highly skilled jobs, contributes £381 million annually to Welsh GVA, and generates a collective turnover approaching £600 million per year, with more than 90% of manufacturing output exported to global markets. The sector is characterised by high productivity, strong R&D intensity and wages above the Welsh average.
CSconnected’s evidence also reflected on the practical realities of inward investment, emphasising the importance of early engagement with investors, clarity and coherence across the investment ‘customer journey’, and sustained support for existing anchor companies operating in globally competitive markets. For capital-intensive sectors such as semiconductors, long-term confidence and policy alignment are critical to securing both new investment and future expansion.
The Committee session provided an opportunity to demonstrate how the South Wales semiconductor cluster has been built through deliberate, coordinated action, rather than organic growth alone, and how this cluster model can inform wider discussions about attracting, retaining and embedding inward investment in Wales.
CSconnected will continue to work closely with Welsh Government and partners to strengthen the cluster, expand the regional supply chain, support skills and talent development, and ensure Wales remains internationally competitive as global competition for inward investment intensifies.
Notes to editors:
Contact
camillecolombier@csconnected.com
About CSconnected
CSconnected is the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster, located in South Wales. Supported by the Strength in Places Fund (UK Research and Innovation) and Cardiff Capital Region, the cluster unites leading companies, research institutions, and government partners to drive innovation, economic growth, and global leadership in semiconductor technology.
