SEMI Europe and Partners Host High-Level Forum to Tackle Semiconductor Talent Gap

“Accelerating Europe Tech Advantage” Event to be held Oct. 2 in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium – September 17, 2025 – SEMI Europe, in partnership with the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA), the European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA), OECD, and EU STEM Coalition, has invited policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to join its forum on “Accelerating Europe’s Tech Advantage” in Brussels on October 2, 2025. This high-level gathering will focus on addressing Europe’s semiconductor talent gap and serve as a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore strategies to strengthen Europe’s skills pipeline and sustain its leadership in advanced technologies.

Through the European Commission’s Union of Skills and STEM Education Strategic Plan, STEM education remains a top priority to ensure a workforce ready for high-tech sectors including semiconductors. By 2030, the industry could face a shortage in Europe of over 75,000 skilled workers, especially hardware engineers and technicians. While STEM graduates are increasing overall, only 28% specialize in semiconductor-relevant fields, and fewer than 18,000 entered the industry in 2022, according to the ECSA Skills Strategy 2024 report.

This talent gap poses a strategic risk as semiconductors underpin AI, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and defence. The seminar will address these challenges, highlight measurable solutions, and explore ways to secure Europe’s talent pipeline. 

“The talent shortage is one of the most unprecedented challenges facing the semiconductor industry today. To secure Europe’s long-term competitiveness, SEMI Europe, in collaboration with the OECD and the STEM coalition, will strengthen education pathways and expand the talent pipeline through key initiatives that support the industry’s future growth,” said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe.

“The event underscores the necessity of coordinated action to strengthen engineering and technical education, ensure alignment with semiconductor industry needs, and secure the skills pipeline that will sustain Europe’s technological leadership in the years ahead,” said Christopher Frieling, Director, Advocacy and Public Policy, SEMI Europe.

The forum will feature keynote addresses from Laith Altimime (SEMI Europe), Andreas Schleicher (OECD), and Beatrice Boots (EU STEM Coalition), followed by a panel discussion moderated by Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager EU Projects, SEMI Europe and Milva Carbonaro, Coordinator, SPACE4GEO. A networking reception will conclude the program to foster collaboration and future action.

Participation is open, but seats are limited. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to register here: https://diversityinchips.eu/accelerating-europes-tech-advantage/.

About SEMI

SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards, and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services, and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.

About ECDA

The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) is a collaborative initiative comprising 11 partners across Europe. ECDA works to expand access to training and employment in microelectronics by removing barriers for underrepresented and underserved communities, helping unlock the full spectrum of Europe’s talent pool. Learn more at diversityinchips.eu or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram. 

About ECSA

Launched in October 2023, the European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA) addresses skills shortages across Europe's semiconductor sector. The initiative collaborates closely with industry, academia, and policymakers to upskill, reskill, and attract new talent to the semiconductor workforce, supporting Europe's digital transition and sustainable growth. Visit https://chipsacademy.eu and connect with ECSA on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more. 

About OECD

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives. We draw on more than 60 years of experience and insights to shape policies that foster prosperity and opportunity, underpinned by equality and well-being.

About EU STEM Coalition

The EU STEM Coalition is an EU-wide network that works to build better STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in Europe. Our goal is to shape STEM education policies and practices that foster economic growth, opportunity and well-being for all. Together with policy makers, education providers and industry, we work on promoting new ways of delivering education and finding and sharing evidence-based solutions to skills mismatch in STEM. From reducing shortages of STEM skilled people to fostering new ways in which educational institutions, companies and governments can cooperate, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, best-practice sharing and direct support.