ISS Europe 2012

European innovation and leadership has long been at the forefront of global semiconductor industry progress, and is playing a vital role in related industries of PV, MST/MEMS, LED, and displays. Today, European leaders are driving advanced node manufacturing and the next generation IC foundry and enabling, amongst others, tomorrow’s new mobile computing, memory, microprocessor, power IC, and solid state lighting technologies.

Europe continues to be a huge developer and consumer of advanced electronic devices for incorporation in complex systems (industrial machinery, telecom, automotive, …). For this to continue, research, development, engineering AND manufacturing will all have to be strengthened within the EU borders. Growing realisation that so-called “low cost” manufacturing locations are becoming less competitive and have other issues that can effect customer satisfaction and profitability compounds this. Excellent examples of innovation and competitive manufacturing exist across Europe that can help provide a roadmap to a more balanced semiconductor supply chain in Europe.

In order to attract the best minds for R&D in our industry, a “war for talents” is on course worldwide. To be successful therefore, Europe must take a strong position in public, advocating our needs and targets, and getting the priorities right in the public discussion. In the conference, we will discuss approaches how to maintain and attract a future oriented European semiconductor industry.

This year’s event takes place in an exciting environment which, more than ever, reveals the strengths of an industrial economic base for developed countries. For our industry, this means to encourage global European players to keep a strong footprint on our continent and materialize the benefits of working in an innovative environment, as well as attracting investment to Europe. It also means to encourage new European players to build on the expertise, competence and enthusiasm in our immediate neighborhood.

The ISS executive format provides an atmosphere where the transition to this new environment can be discussed. There are many excellent examples of innovation and competitive manufacturing across Europe that, with political support, can help provide a roadmap to a more balanced semiconductor supply industry in the continent.