Building UK leadership in RF & microwave systems through Workforce Foresighting

Why Workforce Foresighting is critical

The UK’s telecoms, defence, and semiconductor sectors are at a pivotal moment. As the world races to deploy secure, resilient, and energy-efficient networks, the demand for advanced RF (radio frequency) and microwave systems expertise is surging.

The Workforce Foresighting Cycle, led by the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult in collaboration with the Workforce Foresighting Hub, was designed to anticipate and address these future workforce needs – ensuring the UK remains a leader in critical technologies that underpin national security and economic growth.

What was the cycle about?

This foresighting cycle focused on:

• Anticipating workforce needs for secure, resilient, and energy-efficient RF and microwave systems, especially in the context of Open RAN (open, modular telecom networks).
• Identifying skills gaps in RF, microwave, and related semiconductor technologies.
• Identifying technological bottlenecks (such as the need for a sovereign compound semiconductor foundry).
• Proposing actions to close education and training gaps, reduce reliance on overseas talent, and ensure the UK’s leadership in advanced telecom and semiconductor technologies.

Scope:

• Technology focus: RF and microwave systems (mid-TRL, immediate industrial application).
• Coverage: Design and manufacture (compound semiconductors), deployment (Open RAN integration), testing and security (performance monitoring, interoperability, cybersecurity).
• Stakeholders: Industry (e.g., Filtronic, Ericsson), academia (e.g., Cardiff, Bristol, Sheffield), technology bodies (CSA Catapult), and Innovate UK.

Who was involved?

The cycle brought together a powerful coalition:

• Industry: Filtronic, Viper RF, Ericsson, Octric Semiconductors, Microwave Inspection Technologies Ltd.
• Skills/Education: Cardiff University, University of Sheffield, University of Bristol, University of Manchester, South Devon College, University of Bradford.
• Technology: CSA Catapult, Focus Microwaves, Keysight Technologies, Space Solar, Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre.
• Sponsor: Filtronic – a leading supplier of RF and microwave components for telecoms and defence, with strong industry influence and deep involvement in Open RAN and advanced RF systems.

Impact and actions taken

The foresighting cycle delivered a series of impactful actions and progress highlights:

1. Industry engagement and validation

• An event in October (fully booked with 50 attendees) served as a soft launch, validating findings and securing buy-in from telecom, semiconductor, and defence stakeholders.

2. Strategic alignment

• Workforce development was adopted as a pillar of the UK Semiconductor Centre, embedding skills into the national strategy for technology leadership.

3. Prioritised actions

• Feasibility study to evidence demand for RF roles.
• Industry-led funding model for training under discussion.
• Expansion of internships and outreach.

4. Content development

• Universities (e.g., Sheffield) are designing new modules; CPD and outreach materials are in planning.

5. Advocacy and funding

• Engagement with DSIT, MoD, and UKRI to secure RF sector funding amidst competition from quantum and nuclear sectors.

Why this matters: Economic and workforce impact

The foresighting cycle for RF and microwave technologies is a strategic imperative that goes far beyond skills planning – it is about safeguarding national security, driving economic growth, and ensuring global competitiveness. By strengthening sovereign capability in compound semiconductors and Open RAN integration, the UK reduces reliance on overseas suppliers and positions itself to capture a share of the projected $1 trillion global 5G/6G investment by 2030.

At the same time, the creation of modular courses, CPD programmes, and new apprenticeship standards accelerates workforce readiness, enabling the deployment of secure, energy-efficient networks without delay. This collaborative approach – uniting industry, academia, and government – fuels innovation in RF, photonics, and quantum technologies, while identifying priority roles such as RF Systems Architect and RF Cybersecurity Specialist to future-proof the talent pipeline. Continued investment and action are essential to realise the full potential of these technologies, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of critical infrastructure and innovation for decades to come.