semiconductors

​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.

In February 2020, the European Commission published its initial proposal – White Paper on Artificial Intelligence: a European approach to excellence and trust – and opened a stakeholder consultation. In June, SEMI Europe, based on member feedback, made key policy recommendations in response.

The first of its kind, the Metrology Advances for Digitized ECS Industry 4.0 (MADEin4) project aims to develop the next generation of metrology tools, machine learning methods and applications to help drive higher manufacturing productivity in the semiconductor and automotive industries.

SEMI Europe’s advocacy team is a key force in influencing public policy in areas of strategic importance to the region’s semiconductor industry, making SEMICON Europa the ideal venue for addressing industry-shaping trends and enacting change on policy issues. 

A consortium of 31 European electronics companies spanning packaging, optics, photonics, equipment and testing is aiming to spur growth of the European semiconductor value chain through a three-year project to build new tools, methods and processes for high-volume manufacturing.

SEMI spoke with Bob Smith, executive director of the Electronic System Design (ESD) Alliance, a SEMI Strategic Association Partner, about how the integration of the ESD Alliance with SEMI’s global platforms is extending design expertise in the worldwide electronics industry.

Under the Directive, manufacturers must meet health and safety requirements to place machinery on the EU market. The Directive is especially pertinent to the electronics manufacturing sector represented by SEMI and semiconductor manufacturing equipment producers in Europe and globally.

SEMI members in Europe face tough barriers to meeting legal requirements for posted workers, a struggle that undermines their competitiveness.

With three plenaries and a dedicated session on talent and diversity, ISS Europe brought together more than 150 industry, academia, education and government representatives for in-depth discussions on strategies and innovations for Europe to compete globally in the digital era.