European semiconductor industry welcomes EC report on key enabling technologies

Enabling technologies including nanoelectronics and semiconductors are key to shaping the industrial future of the European Union as the world moves toward a low-carbon, knowledge-based economy. That’s the conclusion of a European Commission communication that acknowledges that “In the past, the EU has not effectively capitalized on its own R&D results, and there are shortages of the skilled and highly educated scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs capable of exploiting the multidisciplinary nature of new high technologies.”Vice president Günter Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, said, “The EU needs a strong innovative drive to equip itself with the means needed to secure our future competitiveness and address the major societal challenges of this century. Mastering nanotechnology, micro- and nanoelectronics, biotechnology, new materials, and photonics means being at the cutting edge-in the benefit of citizens.”

The Commission proposes to develop short- and long-term strategies for key enabling technologies and issue a report by the end of 2010.

The European semiconductor industry, represented by the European Semiconductor Industry Association and SEMI Europe, welcomed the EC communication, stating, “For the first time, the Commission has recognized that micro- and nanoelectronics are of ’systemic relevance’ for Europe’s society and economy. The Commission goes on by stating that semiconductors are one of the areas that require the ‘right framework conditions and support instruments’ in order to further strengthen European capabilities in R&D and their subsequent commercialization.”

Peter Bauer, CEO of Infineon Technologies and ESIA president, said, “…what we are looking for is a strategic European approach to industrial innovation policy flanked by very concrete measures” that will accelerate semiconductor solutions that promote energy efficiency and that meet the needs of ageing societies.

Bauer called for “a more equal playing field with the rest of the world” and appealed to EU member states and Commissioners “to join forces to capture the momentum and ensure a rapid transition from strategic intent to implementation.”

SEMI Europe president Heinz Kundert stated, “It is vital for semiconductor equipment and materials companies that effective policy measures are put in place urgently to allow for a relevant semiconductor supply chain, from R&D to manufacturing, to remain in Europe so that our members can continue to provide innovative solutions that enable smarter, faster, and more economical products that improve our lives. The EU needs to ensure that the ‘right framework conditions and support instruments’ are in place also for manufacturing. Strong European semiconductor capabilities are a prerequisite for European innovation and competitiveness.”

Both Peter Bauer and Heinz Kundert stressed, “The quicker the proposed high level expert’s group finalizes its work, and Europe puts in place the necessary measures for key enabling technologies, the better equipped Europe will be to face the future” and to address the risks of relocation of knowledge-based activities to non-European economies.” They concluded, “Industry is ready to play its role!”

An innovative, vibrant worldwide semiconductor and nanotechnology industry requires strong worldwide competitors, including in the EU. It will be interesting to see what the EC delivers in 2010. Meanwhile, European chipmakers and equipment makers should be developing their own strategies for becoming more innovative and competitive.

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