public policy

Hosted by the SEMI North America Advisory Board (NAAB), executives from member companies across the semiconductor supply chain with operations in the U.S. recently convened in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the policies most critical to semiconductor competitiveness and national security. From March 3-5, 2026, SEMI executives and more than 80 representatives from member companies embarked on Capitol Hill, engaging directly with members of Congress and federal officials to advance the industry’s top policy priorities heading into 2026. These industry leaders from across the semiconductor ecosystem—from materials and equipment suppliers to chipmakers and end users—underscored the urgent need for industry-informed policymaking. Focus topics included:• Trade and Tariff Policy – Promote a balanced trade policy that preserves market access and avoids overlapping tariffs on the same product, as well as narrowly tailored, coordinated export controls to protect national security without harming U.S. competitiveness.• Tax Policy and Investment Incentives – Establish a competitive tax framework would reward innovation and lock the next generation of semiconductor production onto U.S. soil.• Research and Development (R D) Investment – Invest in long-term tax and R D incentives to sustain semiconductor investments.• CHIPS and Science Act Implementation and Beyond – Continued implementation of the CHIPS Act and related programs and develop a forward-looking initiative or roadmap to continue the industry’s momentum.• Workforce Development – Establish a national workforce pipeline aligned with federal, state, and industry programs to meet critical talent needs.• Environmental Regulations – Support pragmatic policies that balance environmental goals with innovation. The semiconductor industry is vital to every facet of our lives today from artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to healthcare. The U.S. leads in semiconductor design and advanced technologies that enable the AI era—and clear, predictable policy frameworks are critical to the Administration’s goals around maintaining U.S. technological leadership and advancing national and economic security.A highlight from the Fly-In was recognizing Indiana Senator Todd Young with the SEMI Americas Government Leadership Award on March 4. The NAAB selects Government Leadership Award honorees based on their impact on policies and incentives to bolster semiconductor design and manufacturing and advance the growth of the global industry. SEMI member companies are making record level investments in the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, bringing high-paying, skilled jobs to communities across the country. This year’s Fly-In participants met with over 100 key congressional offices and committees and engaged directly with administration officials to discuss policies that support economic growth, innovation, and national security. Through collaboration, credibility, and consistent engagement, SEMI looks forward to continuing to work with Congress and the administration to ensure the next phase of U.S. semiconductor expansion delivers lasting benefits for the U.S. economy. Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments as well as how your company or organization can get involved.Learn more about the SEMI Public Policy and Advocacy program and the 2026 policy strategy: https://www.semi.org/en/global-advocacy.Christina Banoub is Senior Manager, Federal Affairs at SEMI.

As geopolitical dynamics continue to influence global industries, the semiconductor sector finds itself at a pivotal crossroad. During the SEMI Industry Strategy Symposium (ISS Europe) held in Sopot, Poland, a high-level panel on the Geopolitics of Semiconductors brought together leaders from across the ecosystem to explore Europe’s role in an increasingly fragmented world shaped by strategic dependencies and evolving alliances.Moderated by Stefano Ramundo Orlando, Advocacy Manager at SEMI Europe, the panel convened industry executives, strategic advisors, and policy experts for a forward-looking dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping Europe’s semiconductor future.The session opened by acknowledging the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and its impact on the global semiconductor supply chain. Export controls, investment screening mechanisms, and economic security strategies are no longer abstract policy discussions — they are reshaping investment decisions, manufacturing strategies, and even workforce planning across the globe. While these disruptions present undeniable challenges, panellists underscore that they also mark a pivotal opportunity. For Europe, this is not a moment to retreat but a call to adapt with purpose.Closing the Gaps: Building on Europe’s Strategic AdvantagesGiulietta Poltronieri, Partner at McKinsey Company, mapped out Europe’s strategic position in the global value chain. While Europe boasts global leadership in intellectual property (IP), lithography, and research and development (R D), key gaps remain in foundry capabilities and backend manufacturing. The solution lies not only in plugging these gaps but in securing Europe’s existing strengths — a balancing act between resilience and competitiveness.Giulietta Poltronieri, Partner, McKinsey Company’s Global Semiconductor PracticeMalcolm Penn, Founder CEO of Future Horizons, echoed this sentiment and emphasized that success in semiconductors requires long-term vision and a global mindset. Penn argued that Europe must look beyond its local market, citing Taiwan’s TSMC as a model of how small domestic markets need not constrain global leadership, “The excuse of having no end market in Europe is just an excuse.” Europe, Penn contended, must have the courage to think big and act boldly.Malcolm Penn, Founder Chief Executive Officer, Future Horizons Corporate Strategy Amid UncertaintyHendrik Bourgeois, Vice President of European Government Affairs at Intel, offered insight into how geopolitical risk has become an embedded factor in corporate strategy. Intel’s decision to expand manufacturing in both the U.S. and Europe was directly influenced by a recognition of over-reliance on certain global regions.Bourgeois stressed that while business can adapt to restrictive policy, uncertainty remains the greatest challenge to long-term decision-making. Consistency, trust, and engagement with governments are crucial — and businesses must invest in building political capital just as they do in infrastructure or talent.Hendrik Bourgeois, Vice President, European Government Affairs, Intel China: Partner, Competitor, and Geopolitical PuzzleBoris Metodiev, Director at TechInsights offered a balanced view of China’s role — acknowledging it as both a vital market and a strategic competitor. With nearly 40% of global semiconductor demand and significant state backing, China presents both irresistible opportunity and real systemic risks.Key concerns include technology transfer, the impact of heavy subsidization, and growing market concentration. Addressing these issues, Metodiev suggested, will require a balanced approach focused on diversifying supply chains, protecting intellectual property, and reinforcing trade enforcement — all while maintaining open channels for cooperation and avoiding the pitfalls of full decoupling.Boris Metodiev, Director, Manufacturing Analysis, TechInsights Talent: The Silent BottleneckPanellists identified talent shortages as one of the most yet under-discussed threats to Europe’s semiconductor future. Europe lacks the scale of skilled STEM graduates to meet current and projected demand.Companies like Intel are investing heavily in partnerships with universities and training institutions. However, regulatory obstacles — especially for intra-European mobility of non-EU nationals — remain significant. The call to action was clear: Europe must rethink migration and education policy through the lens of economic strategy, not just under traditional policy frameworks, aligning policy with industrial goals and scaling efforts to match future workforce needs.Central and Eastern Europe: Emerging Pillars of European StrategyThe panel explored how Central and Eastern Europe are increasingly integral to Europe’s semiconductor strategy. Mikołaj Trunin, Deputy Director at Invest in Pomerania, noted that despite geopolitical headwinds, the region continues to attract strong foreign direct investment (FDI). Poland has emerged as a trusted investment destination and a budding semiconductor hub, with Pomerania positioned as a key region for advanced packaging.With nations like Poland taking on higher political and industrial profiles—such as upcoming leadership of the EU Council— the region is positioned to serve as a strategic bridge between Europe’s industrial core and frontier markets. This momentum underscores the importance of embedding these regions more fully into the broader semiconductor ecosystem.Mikołaj Trunin, Deputy Director, Invest in Pomerania A Call for Coordinated ActionThe panel concluded on a note of clarity: geopolitical disruption is not a temporary deviation, but a defining characteristic of the coming industrial era. With semiconductors positioned at the intersection of technology, security, and sovereignty, Europe must act decisively. Companies must continue to evolve, engage politically, and remain agile. To ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience, policymakers and industry leaders must work hand in hand to shape an integrated European semiconductor ecosystem. The stakes are high — but so is the potential.SEMI ContactIranda Chaki, Senior Policy CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]

The pursuit of a level playing field for SEMI member companies is a central focus across our regions – allowing competition based on ingenuity in open, global markets. This is the most effective means to optimize the advancement of both the semiconductor industry and the technology it enables.