STMicroelectronics
Leading a technology revolution
Satellite broadcast technology has undergone a
revolution in recent years and leading it has been
STMicroelectronics. This $9 billion global business developed the
processing technology that now powers the majority of UK Freeview
set-top boxes and more than half of all the boxes in the world. Its
new ST40 and ST200 processors herald a new era in satellite
broadcasting technology and promise to bring web browsing, email
and video conferencing to our TV screens, as well as High
Definition sound and picture quality. Advances in digital camera,
mobile phone and movie camera technology are already being dreamt
of by its engineers that will change the way we work and play in
the future.
Research and Development in the South
West
All of this is taking place right here in
Bristol, at the heart of the South West's silicon gorge. Alongside
other global companies like Hewlett Packard and Motorola,
STMicroelectronics is involved in leading edge Research and
Development.
Phil Morris, Managing Director of ST UK Research
and Development explains the advantages of being located in this
region: "Being part of a cluster of high technology companies means
that there is a concentration of talented engineers nearby. Not
only can we offer them an opportunity to work on some of the most
interesting and ground-breaking projects in our industry, but they
can also see that, when they are ready for their next career move,
there are plenty of opportunities locally without having to uproot
themselves and their family. There is a real sense of community
amongst high tech companies in this region and our staff benefit
from being part of this, as well as the obvious lifestyle
advantages of this part of the UK."
Committed to the Region
STMicroelectronics recognises the role the South
West plays in the continuing success of its R&D facility and
has recently invested £1.7 million in the region. "ST continues to
push the boundaries of technological development. Many innovative
hardware and software technologies have originated from the Bristol
R&D Centre and I fully expect this to continue long into the
future," explains Christos Lagomichos, Vice President of ST's Home
Entertainment Group.
The company's investment in the region goes
beyond a mere financial one, however. STMicroelectronics plays an
active part in the local community, working alongside The
Industrial Trust to inspire secondary school children to consider a
career in engineering, providing support for local incubator units
and working closely with universities to support undergraduates.
"By becoming actively involved in the local community, we hope to
stimulate the South West's high technology cluster and ensure we
have a ready supply of innovative young graduates", says Phil
Morris.
Support from the South West of England Regional
Development Agency
Pride in the company and in the South West as a
whole is regarded by STMicroelectronics as an important motivator
for staff. "The South West Regional Development Agency plays a key
role here," explains Phil. "It helps to raise awareness of the high
technology cluster and to promote our work, which is a bonus when
it comes to recruitment." Graham Harrison, Head of Sector
Development, South West Regional Development Agency concludes:
"High technology companies, such as ST, make an invaluable
contribution to the economy of the South West region. Not only do
they provide direct employment, but they also demonstrate the
creativity and exceptional skills that have made the South West one
of the most important silicon design/wireless research regions in
the world."