SEMI News

With semiconductor sales expected to double to $1.2 trillion USD in the next 10 years, the microelectronics industry must address rising geopolitical trade tensions, countries pursuing chip supremacy ahead of global supply chain collaboration, and talent shortfalls noted Ajit Manocha, CEO of SEMI.

The need to digitally transform – and help member companies do the same – is not lost on SEMI. We are currently supporting members and have plans to significantly expand and enhance our own digital engagement platforms.

After ther disruption caused by COVID-19, four of SEMI’s seven flagship events, SEMICON Europa, SEMICON West, SEMICON Japan, and SEMICON Taiwan are set to welcome back exhibitors and visitors to show floors starting in mid-November.

On April 21, 2021, the European Commission put forward the long-awaited Proposal for a Regulation on a European approach for Artificial Intelligence, introducing for the first time harmonized rules for the development, placement and use of secure and ethical artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe.

As the global economy is constantly transformed, the need for new skills in the microelectronics industry has never been higher. To develop a workforce fit for the future, it is crucial to invest not only in reskilling and upskilling, but also in skills anticipation and inclusivity.

According to the Women in the Workplace 2020 study by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org, one in four women are considering leaving their workplaces or downshifting their careers due to work-life challenges stemming from COVID-19, leading to the potential loss of two million women from the workforce.

In order to achieve the European Green Deal’s zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment, the European Commission announced its intention to restrict the use of the most harmful chemicals, except in cases where they are deemed essential for society.

METIS identifies 4 focus areas for workforce development: True capability of AI and Data Science, Ethics, Cross-disciplinary Skills required for AI, and Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals, and Social Inclusion Training.

​Europe is facing an acute shortage of skilled microelectronics workers that undermines the growth potential of both the electronics industry and European economy as a whole. The shortfall looms large- a skilled and diverse workforce that can continuously innovate is the oxygen of microelectronics. 

On 21/9, SEMI and a coalition of 40 industry organisations sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for decisive action to solve implementation issues within the European Union Waste Framework Directive, specifically the Substances of Concern in Products database.