Supercluster/Critical technologies

Critical technologies

Scotland is home to a Supercluster in Critical Technologies, a constellation of overlapping and mutually supporting technology sub sectors – photonics, quantum, semiconductors, and sensing and connectivity.

Although these technologies remain largely invisible to the public, they form an important base for critical supply chains in life sciences, space, future automotive, energy, communications and defence and security. They will also be essential in our efforts to tackle the climate emergency and meet our collective net zero ambitions.

The four critical technologies

Photonics

Photonics is the technology of harnessing light, including lasers, optics and sensing.

Photonics

Quantum

Quantum technologies encompass a range of emerging technologies at the atomic scale, based around the principles of quantum mechanics.

Quantum

Semiconductors

Semiconductors' electrical properties are used to process information, manage electrical power, as laser sources and in a myriad of other applications.

Semiconductors

Sensing & Connectivity

The air today is full of radio signals emanating from everything from RADAR systems to mobile phones.

Sensing & Connectivity

Why critical technologies are so important:

Produce high levels of export income.

Are vital for our security, defence and economic independence.

Generate secure, well-paid employment for the future.

Secure the supply chain for our advanced industries.

Underpin innovation in key areas for Scotland e.g. healthcare, space, and energy.

Are essential for drive towards efficient low-carbon infrastructure and net zero.

View Scotland’s critical technologies capabilities

Scotlands capabilities

Why aggregate these particular technologies?

There are many reasons why it makes sense to aggregate the four technology areas represented by the supercluster. This includes a myriad of technical overlaps, some (but by no means all) of which are listed below.

Photonics is essential to implementing most quantum systems.

Semiconductor lasers and control chips are used in most photonic systems.

Quantum computer qubits are often fabricated using semiconductor processing technology.

Connectivity technologies, quantum key distribution and photonics are all necessary for next generation secure communications.

All sensing systems use semiconductors for signal processing and protocol management.

But the rationale for bringing these technology areas together does not end at technical complementarity. These areas are also aligned in a number of key areas relating to policy and investment.

Skills needs

Similar expertise across a highly skilled workforce allowing a common skills pipeline and giving companies a wide talent pool.

Investment cycles

Companies progress through frequent investment cycles driven by rapid technology development.

End markets & customers

Scottish based companies address the same demanding global markets and customers which drives collaboration and allows Government support to be cohesive and targeted.

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