EU aim : To lift chip production share to 20 percent
The EU is to spend € 10 billion to trigger € 100 billion investments. To aid this, SEMI is providing the platforms for its members to share critical implementation issues and actions to support the goals set by the EU
"Like the Airbus experience, it is possible to achieve even the unthinkable. Europe has the strengths and critical industries to regain a market-share of 20 percent in chip manufacturing by 2020. This will create around 250'000 new jobs. However, it will be of paramount importance to work and invest together, cross-border and along the entire food-chain," says Commissioner Kroes.
Heinz Kundert hands over a 450mm Wafer to European Commission vice president Neelie Kroes
The new European industrial strategy for micro- and nano-electronics, published on 23rd May 2013, sets the framework for targeted investment across the electronics value and innovation chain. An Industrial Strategy Roadmap for Investment, to be developed by end 2013, will cover three complementary lines, as described below:
· Transition to 450mm, expected to primarily benefit equipment and material manufacturers in Europe
· "More than Moore" on 200mm and 300 mm
· "More Moore" for ultimate miniaturization on 300mm wafers
Investment will be concentrated and focus on Europe's clusters of excellence in manufacturing and design (Grenoble, Dresden and Eindhoven-Leuven). But it will also support partnerships and alliances across the value chain in Europe.
Sven Morlok, State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport at the EU event on May 29th in Brussels about industrial strategy for micro- and nano-electronics
This strategy is the culmination of years of industry advocacy for a clear European commitment to manufacturing.
SEMI first called for measures to support investment in manufacturing in its 2008 White Paper. The organisation has since contributed to the work of two High Level Groups on Key Enabling Technologies and will join the KETs Implementation Observatory to be launched by the end of this year.
SEMI is in favour of adapting European competition and state aid rules and simplifying EU funding programs. The organisation will also consider the global impact of Environmental Health and Safety rules and try to contribute to creating a positive policy environment for investment.
In 2012, SEMI facilitated a dialogue among key European industry players that led to a single European semiconductor strategy, a common vision of how to reinforce Europe's global competitiveness.
Implementation of the strategy is starting now. SEMI says it will assist by looking at latest technology developments and helping SEMI members create partnerships, link up with RTOs and benefit from the European investment strategy.
SEMICON Europa, taking place from 8th to 10th October in Dresden, will be the industry's next major opportunity to discuss latest technologies. Presentations and conferences will cover hot topics such as 450mm wafer transition, latest lithography developments (EUV), new emerging materials, MEMS manufacturing and test, 3D TSV challenges, factory automation and an Executive Summit dedicated to the strategy's implementation.
The call for Papers for SEMICON Europa 2013 conference is open until June 27th. The conferences are a great opportunity to present technologies and latest achievements to a large audience of industry professionals. For more information about SEMICON Europe programs, the Call for Papers and opportunities to exhibit please visit http://semiconeuropa.org/ .
By Heinz Kundert, president, SEMI Europe
