Vulcan roundtable unveils strategic insights for microelectronics resilience

In a recent Vulcan roundtable event, moderated by Vulcan’s Special Advisor Rory Montgomery, industry leaders and experts convened to discuss the transformative implications of the EU Chips Act and chart a course for the future of microelectronics resilience in Europe. 

Lucinda Creighton, CEO of Vulcan Consulting, commenced the session by emphasising the EU Chips Act’s significance and the imperative for Europe to fortify its microelectronics supply chain resilience, especially given current dependencies on East Asia.

Keynote speakers from DG CONNECT at the European Commission and the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) provided substantial insights. The EU Commission representative examined the EU Chips Act’s genesis amid COVID-related supply shortages and underlined ongoing economic security risk assessments. They outlined the Act’s three pillars, noting the need for increased semiconductor market share and coordination through the creation of a European Semiconductor Board.

The Chips JU representative shed light on the Chips for Europe pilot lines and discussed collaborative opportunities for research institutes, SMEs, and industry players. An upcoming European Design Platform promises innovation and widened industrial bases through strong SME inclusion.

The Q&A session enriched the dialogue, covering diverse topics. Participants tackled the issue of state aid, acknowledging the diversity of Member States’ resources while underscoring the importance of positive spillover effects for eligibility. Discussions also touched upon the need for workforce expansion, ecosystem building, and challenges related to PFAS in the supply chain.

Industry representatives voiced concerns and suggestions, discussing the necessity of visa liberalisation, sovereignty in mask technology, and support for small enterprises in the global market.

Further, the EU Commission representative stressed educational reforms to align with industry needs, advocating for industry involvement in universities to make semiconductor courses more attractive. Rory Montgomery drew attention to gender diversity, prompting discussions on recruitment strategies and the need for ad-hoc courses for female technicians.

Closing remarks by Jan Nemec, Special Advisor at Vulcan Consulting, highlighted key takeaways, including the importance of skills development, gender diversity, sustainability concerns, and the potential for a sequel to the Chips Act. The need for a coordinated EU approach and support for second-line producers emerged as crucial considerations for the microelectronics landscape’s future.

The Vulcan roundtable event provided a platform for strategic discussions, ensuring that Europe navigates the post-EU Chips Act era with a comprehensive and collaborative vision.