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In October 1, 2013 members of the cluster alliance Silicon Europe met with representatives of the European Commission in Brussels to jointly discuss the next steps on the European strategy for supporting the micro- and nanoelectronics industry (“10/100/20″).

After the launch of the New European Industrial Strategy for Electronics in May of 2013, the Commission is now further developing its roadmap on the way to a sustainably strong microelectronics industry in Europe. Silicon Europe was now invited by the European Commission Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content & Technology (DG CONNECT) to give their vision and expectations on this European strategy. Furthermore, the representatives discussed possible contributions and additional ideas on how the common ambitious goal, to double the European share of the semiconductor production to 20 per cent by the year 2020 can be reached.

Silicon Europe had already met with the director of DG Connect at the end of 2012 and again in February 2013. “Our cluster alliance unites the leading microelectronics sites and accounts for Europe’s successful players both in industry and research. Our goal has always been to raise awareness for the importance of microelectronics not only for the production and manufacturing industries but also for the whole European economy. Therefore, our partners developed a plan on how the funding of “10/100/20” – 100 billion Euros – can be raised between 2013 and 2020”, says Silicon Europe coordinator Thomas Reppe.

As a result of the meeting, the EU and Silicon Europe agreed that the microelectronics regions and their players, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, need to play an important role in the operational realisation of 10/100/20. The focus must be on enabling innovations from within the European players and also supporting close cooperations. “Silicon Europe already proves that a close collaboration across national and organisational boarders can work successfully and is key to further strengthen all participating partners – one is always stronger with a close network and support system. Especially in the cost-intensive high-tech industries such as micro- and nanoelectronics, innovation can not be realised by just one player”, Reppe adds.