IQE plc : Dr Drew Nelson joins EU High Level Gr...

Cardiff, UK, 07 March 2013: IQE plc (AIM: IQE, "IQE" or the "Group"), the leading global supplier of advanced semiconductor wafer products and services to the semiconductor industry, announces that IQE's CEO and President, Dr Drew Nelson, has joined a high-level industry group to advise the European Commission (EC) on the implementation of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs).

The formation of the group was announced by Vice Commissioner Antonio Tajani last week, together with the signing of an MOU between the European Investment Bank and the EC to support KETs. Dr Nelson is the only UK representative amongst the group of 35 industrial leaders from across Europe.

The EC has identified nanotechnology, micro-/nanoelectronics, industrial biotechnology, advanced materials, photonics and advanced manufacturing technologies as KETs that are essential for Europe to regain and maintain a global leadership in the face of intense competition from Asia and North America.

The impact of KETs cuts across world leading industries including the automotive, chemicals, aeronautics, space, health and energy sectors and, as such, will form a significant focus for European funded programmes over the coming years. This will enable the EU to translate its dominant research and development (R&D) base into the production of goods and services needed to stimulate growth and employment.

Dr Drew Nelson, President and CEO of IQE Group, said:

"It is highly encouraging that the EC has recognised the global importance of Key Enabling Technologies in shaping the future of Europe in the face of stiff global competition. EC initiatives included in 'Horizon 2020' aim to bridge the funding gap - often referred to as the 'valley of death' - that has held back EU countries from translating excellent R&D expertise into world leading products and services.

"I am delighted to accept the invitation to join this high level group as the only UK representative and look forward to helping Europe regain a global leading technology position."

The EC press release is available at: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-150_en.htm

CONTACTS:

IQE plc ([phone])
Chris Meadows
Drew Nelson

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Source: IQE plc via Thomson Reuters ONE

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