After Brexit vote: high-tech industry must continue collaboration

After the majority vote of the British people for the withdrawal of their country from the EU, the European high-tech industry is concerned about the potential consequences of a Brexit. The IVAM Microtechnology Network, which represents the interests of more than 200 high-tech organizations, including companies based in the United Kingdom, calls for a cohesion and continued collaboration between UK and EU companies.
 
“We regret this decision very much," says IVAM Managing Director Dr. Thomas R. Dietrich. "Barriers such as trade restrictions, customs duties or restriction of the free movement of workers are great obstacles particularly for the high-tech industry. An exit of Britain from the EU will lead to major economic disadvantages, especially for the British industry. "
 
Earlier this year the British participants in a survey IVAM has performed under high-tech companies in Europe expressed substantial reservations about Britain leaving the EU. A clear majority of 70 percent predicted that a Brexit will have a negative impact on their business. Even more were concerned that it might slow down the growth of the high-tech industry in the UK.
 
IVAM considers cooperation with the British microtechnology industry and research very important and will promote it after a Brexit, as Thomas Dietrich affirms: "We will continue to collaborate with our British members and partners and strive to reduce any negative impacts that are to be expected from Britain’s exit from the EU."