SEMI Joins the EU STEAM Executive Panel to Advance Semiconductor Workforce Priorities

BRUSSELS – October 6, 2026 – SEMI, the industry association advancing the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced that SEMI Europe has joined the European Commission's newly established STEAM Executive Panel bringing the semiconductor industry’s perspective to discussions on skills, education, and workforce development.

The panel brings together leaders from industry, education, training, and related disciplines to provide strategic guidance on STEM sectors and innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approaches that integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with the arts and humanities. SEMI Europe joins a distinguished group of industry representatives on the panel, including SAP, LEGO Education, WindEurope, and DIGITALEUROPE. 

The STEAM Executive Panel will address the talent shortage in the semiconductor industry, with the main purpose of inspiring and educating the next generation of STEM students, from vocational education and training to higher education. 

"Europe must continue to strengthen its talent pipeline and invest in reskilling and upskilling at all levels," said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. "STEAM is critical to building the workforce of the future to achieve Europe's semiconductor ambitions. Close collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers will be essential to developing the skilled talent needed to turn these ambitions into reality."

Over its mandate, the panel will advise on closer cooperation between education providers and businesses, strategies to raise participation in STEM and STEAM at all levels, and the development of adaptable graduates for a fast-changing world. It will also contribute to the annual STEAM Education Outlook, turning the goals of the STEM Education Strategic Plan into practical recommendations, and feed into the European Skills High-Level Board. The inaugural in-person meeting of the panel took place in Brussels on 6 October 2026. Its work can be followed through the Register of Commission expert groups.

SEMI Europe's appointment reflects its longstanding commitment to strengthening Europe's microelectronics talent pipeline. SEMI Europe will help connect education, skills development, and industry needs to ensure the next generation is equipped for careers in the semiconductor sector.

Through the Pact for Skills for Microelectronics, coordinated by SEMI Europe, industry, research hubs, education providers and NGOs have joined forces to support upskilling and reskilling, attract new talent and unlock EU and national funding. This collaboration laid the groundwork for the European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA), which now connects industry, universities and training providers across Europe, and the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA), opening pathways for underrepresented talent across the semiconductor sector.

SEMI is honored to have Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager, Workforce Development & EU projects, SEMI Europe, invited to be on the STEAM Executive Panel. For more information or to get involved, contact her at [email protected].

About SEMI 

SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 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.