Making Europe's technological strengths more visible

Companies such as Merck, Siemens, Intel, Trumpf and Zeiss are already making significant contributions to the production of high-performance semiconductors - especially for applications in artificial intelligence. The companies bring together expertise in the fields of materials, lasers, optics, electronics, software and intelligent manufacturing.

"At Merck, innovation takes place at an atomic level. With small things, we move big things together - across company boundaries," explains Kai Beckmann, member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Electronics. "Europe's role in the global semiconductor industry is much greater than is often assumed. However, industry and politics must join forces more strongly in Europe in order to act as shapers in the global semiconductor and AI market."

A joint task

A central concern of the meeting was to join forces along the entire value chain. Europe has important prerequisites to play a shaping role in key technologies such as AI and state-of-the-art semiconductor technology. Coordinated industrial policy measures are necessary for this.

"We need to activate the hidden technological strengths of the European chip ecosystem to actively shape the AI era," explains Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries. "Semiconductors are the interface between the real and the digital world. As a leading provider of chip design software, industrial software and automation technology, we support our customers from the initial design of chips to their production in advanced factories and the application of advanced industrial AI solutions."

Challenges: Infrastructure, skilled workers, demand

At the same time, structural challenges were identified: a lack of skilled workers, inadequate infrastructure and economic conditions that can slow down investment. These include high energy costs, lengthy approval procedures and bureaucratic hurdles.

"Intel is contributing its technological experience in Europe to advance the digital transformation together with industry, science and politics. Our goal is to provide customized and future-oriented technologies that meet the specific requirements of our customers," affirms Sonja Pierer, Country Manager, Germany, Intel Corporation. "With our technological expertise and many years of experience, we support the development of a resilient, innovative and sustainable chip ecosystem in Europe - as a basis for greater competitiveness, independence and stable supply chains."

Technological leadership through teamwork

The common tenor: Europe can only further expand its technological leadership in the semiconductor industry through close cooperation.

"TRUMPF is driving efficiency and sustainability in the semiconductor industry with high-performance lasers and electronics for plasma processes. With our innovations, we have been one of the key suppliers to this key industry for many years. Now German and European policymakers must continue to consistently pursue their industrial policy path. We need attractive location conditions so that we can continue to play a decisive role in global competition in the future. On the part of industry, we support this course with innovative technology. We must, want to and can further strengthen our position. If suppliers to the semiconductor industry, material experts and chip designers work hand in hand, we can further expand our technology leadership in Europe and set global standards," explains Berthold Schmidt, member of the Management Board and Chief Technology Officer at TRUMPF.

Research as the heartbeat of digitalization

The importance of joint research efforts was also emphasized. After all, modern microchips are not created in isolation.

"Around 80 percent of all microchips worldwide are manufactured using ZEISS optics - we are therefore working at the heartbeat of global digitalization. The future is also teamwork, because where we research, develop and produce, we can only do it together - there is no other way to meet the complex challenges of modern microchip development and production," emphasizes Thomas Stammler, Chief Technology Officer, ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology.

Conclusion: Europe's semiconductor industry has the know-how, the technology and the will to shape - but in order to exploit this potential, more cooperation, targeted investment and the right political framework conditions are needed. The event in Darmstadt was a strong signal in this direction.