The Labour Manifesto is out, and while there is no specific mention of the electronics industry, there will be cash for research and innovation, engineering education and SMEs if Labour stays in power, claims the Labour Party.
"We are committed to a ring-fenced science budget in the next spending review. To help us do better in turning research outputs into innovation, we will provide focused investment for Technology and Innovation Centres, developing technologies where the UK has world-leading expertise."
"We will also support university research through the Higher Education Innovation Fund, and through the development of a new University Enterprise Capital Fund. The proceeds of success will flow back into the higher education sector."
For business in general, and small firms in particular:
"The new UK Finance for Growth Fund will bring together a total of £4 billion of public funds and combine it with private money to channel equity to businesses looking to develop and grow.
Within this, the Growth Capital Fund will focus on SMEs which need capital injections of between £2 and £10 million, while the Innovation Investment Fund will focus on the needs of high-tech firms....."
"We will provide incentives for companies to invest through R&D tax credits, and protect and increase the size of capital allowances that help to grow key sectors such as manufacturing.
"A regional growth fund will be established by the Regional Development Agencies with regional ministers given an enhanced role, and we will help our core cities and city regions to become powerhouses of innovation and growth, with a major devolution of power to shape local transport and skills."
For innovation, there will also be a 'patent-box':
"A lower rate of corporation tax to encourage UK-based innovation - supporting the UK's strengths in new industries and sectors.
For employment and skills there is an intention to:
"build a high-tech economy, supporting business and industry to create one million more skilled jobs....."
More on education:
"In the coming years, priority in the expansion of student places will be given to Foundation Degrees and part-time study, and to science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees, as well as applied study in key economic growth sectors."
Amongst the 76 pages, Labour acknowledges:
"Britain is the sixth largest manufacturing economy in the world.... we can be leaders in the emerging industries of the future."