Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult has made significant achievements since its inception in 2018, despite facing many challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is a key finding from a new independent impact evaluation report undertaken by Harlow Consulting on behalf of CSA Catapult.
Published today, the report recognises CSA Catapult for its many achievements in such a short space of time, including the creation of world-leading facilities at a state-of-the-art Innovation Centre in Newport despite the logistical challenges of the pandemic.
Since then, CSA Catapult has grown its in-house expertise and helped to strengthen the UK’s semiconductor supply chain by developing key relationships with global businesses as well as a range of SMEs.
The report outlines how CSA Catapult has a strong and clear strategic direction, particularly in two focussed markets—Net Zero and Future Telecoms. It also highlights CSA Catapult’s success in helping UK industries translate fundamental research into commercially ready products.
Over the last five years, three-quarters of projects supported by CSA Catapult have experienced a positive increase in their Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)—a measure of the maturity of a technology.
Job creation and an increase to GVA are also highlighted in the report as examples of CSA Catapult’s success.
Between 2018 and 2023, a total of 2827 jobs have been created or safeguarded within organisations that have worked with CSA Catapult.
Companies that have engaged with the Catapult have collectively secured, on average, annual private investment of £107m and £11m of annual public sector investments.
Harlow Consulting undertook research for the report between June and September 2023, which comprised of desk-based research, analysis of survey data and in-depth interviews with employees, customers and partners of CSA Catapult. The report covers a time frame from 2018 to 2023.
Martin McHugh, CEO at CSA Catapult said: “We are grateful to Harlow Consulting for undertaking this important piece of work on our behalf.
“It is very pleasing to see the report recognise the significant achievements we’ve made over the last five years, including the creation of our Innovation Centre in Newport and the rapid growth of the CSA Catapult team.
“The report demonstrates the benefit to UK businesses of working with the Catapult and the role we’re playing in supply chain growth and strengthening the UK economy overall.
“With a clear strategy in place for the next five years, we’re confident in building on this success and continuing to deliver long-term benefit to the UK economy.”
Jennifer Brennan, Director at Harlow Consulting, said: “At Harlow Consulting, as a purpose-driven research agency, we are passionate about conducting high-quality research with impact. Many of our clients are local government, industry bodies, as well as public and private sector organisations, where research plays a valuable role in improving efficiencies. We were pleased to work with the CSA Catapult team and through this evaluation, help demonstrate their remarkable impact on jobs and the economy.”
