Press Release

European Semiconductor Industry welcomes renewed focus on competitive European manufacturing for Key Enabling Technologies

Brussels, Belgium — 11 March 2013 — SEMI welcomes the launch of the second Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) High Level Group and the renewed emphasis it places on reinforcing European innovation and a globally competitive European industry. 

“Europe is strong in R&D, but we can do better when it comes to innovation,” stated High Level Group member André-Jacques Auberton Hervé, CEO of Soitec and Vice-President of the SEMI International Board. “Industry is committed to Europe, its semiconductor ecosystem is rich and diverse with a number of centers of excellence. The KETs High Level Group, bringing together 4 European Commissioners, can help create the right policy framework in terms of competition, access to finance and supporting industrial production,” he added. The group was inaugurated by Commission Vice-Presidents Antonio Tajani and Neelie Kroes and Commissioners Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Johannes Hahn.

Within the renewed KETs work, SEMI members’ priorities are, the revision of EU state aid rules, the support of prototyping and demonstration activities, with specific EU funding for pilot lines or Multi-KETs project and more generally EU support for large-scale manufacturing. European KETs industries operate on a global market – European state aid rules should acknowledge this reality and allow for increased public support for R&D and manufacturing in Europe. Revising EU state aid rules accordingly will help create a level playing field in the global market and allow Europe to compete for investment with other regions. SEMI welcomes the European Commission’s commitment to provide financial support to support large scale demonstrators – the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Investment Bank is also a welcome signal to the industry that Europe is committed to KETs.

Micro-/nano-electronics are a Key Enabling Technology
The average European uses around 250 chips (semiconductors) per day: starting with the alarm clock and coffee machine in the morning, and throughout the day when using their car, mobile phone, computer, television set or oven. This is what makes micro- and nano-electronics a key enabling technology: there is nearly no product without integrated circuits or manufactured with the help of microchips. They are at the heart of Europe’s 2020 strategy: semiconductors allow for renewable energy collection and storage, electric vehicles, faster communications, sustainable healthcare solutions, independent living and much more. 

About SEMI 
SEMI is the global industry association serving the nano- and microelectronics manufacturing supply chains. Its 1800 member companies are the engine of the future, enabling smarter, faster and more economical products that improve our lives. Since 1970, SEMI has been committed to helping members grow more profitably, create new markets and meet common industry challenges. In Europe SEMI has offices in Berlin, Brussels and Grenoble and represents over 250 companies. For more information visit www.semi.org.

Association Contacts
Ms Rania Georgoutsakou
Director Public Policy for Europe
Mobile: +32 475 749 718
Email: gourania@semi.org