Decisive policy, better framework conditions and a solid business plan for the European semiconductor sector. That is what dozens of European industry organisations are calling for in a joint statement.
A total of some 86 organisations are backing the goals of the Semiconductor Coalition Europe. In a statement, the coalition calls on policymakers to make a competitive European semiconductor sector a reality. "We call on the signatories to immediately start a process define clear goals and underpin these goals with a measurable implementation strategy. This should be done in close cooperation with the industry, in order to take the right decisions to ensure the future competitiveness of the European semiconductor industry," the parties write.
"Too often we fall short of the action needed to realise such ambitions. The semiconductor industry is growing and will continue to do so, particularly in key markets such as AI (infrastructure and applications), automotive, factory automation, data centres and connectivity, energy infrastructure, aerospace and defence. As an industry for industry, now is the time to capitalise on this growth."
Three lines of action
This will require three key lines of action, according to the parties:
- Bold leadership and clear responsibility: Parties call for bold leadership and clear responsibility from both the European Commission and EU member states to turn the Semicon Declaration into policy.
- Better framework conditions for entrepreneurship: The framework conditions for entrepreneurship must improve. These include shortening licensing procedures, ensuring a reliable energy supply, pursuing an attractive talent policy and ensuring free access to raw materials.
- A market-driven business case for Europe: The third action line consists of realising a market-driven business case for Europe. The parties say this is needed to attract investment to match the growing demand for chips from the AI, automotive, energy and defence sectors, among others.
Opportunities for both the Netherlands and Europe
The statement also points to opportunities for both the Netherlands and Europe. For instance, the industry parties want the statement to prevent Europe from lagging behind in chip development, which is a global growth market. Investments in infrastructure, knowledge and international cooperation will enable Europe to continue to play a leading role in the global chip sector, and can thus bring gains for both the Netherlands and Europe.
"As global demand for semiconductors continues to grow, Europe must act to secure its position in this dynamic market. Growth opportunities exist, but Europe's ability to capitalise on them depends on proactive measures to overcome challenges in key sectors and align its industrial strategy with market demand," the parties write in the statement. They speak of a tipping point, which requires close cooperation between industry and policymakers to enhance Europe's competitiveness and capitalise on opportunities.
86 organisations
The statement has been signed by a total of 86 organisations. These are diverse parties, ranging from HighTech NL and Holland High Tech to parties such as VDL, ASM and ASML, and chip companies STMicroelectronics, Qualcomm, Intel and Nexperia. Employers' organisation VNO-NCW, entrepreneurs' organisation FME and industry association CECIMO have also signed the declaration.
The full statement and a and overview of all parties who have signed it can be found here.
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