On Thursday 3 July, the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESRA) published a position paper calling for various actions to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem in the EU, with a greater role for the regions. According to ESRA, if the EU wants to maintain the objectives set out in the ‘Chips Act’, it must also focus on cross-regional collaboration. Connecting local strategies is crucial, as they “reduce logistical inefficiencies along value chains, and accelerate knowledge transfer through the cluster networks”, explain the authors of the document.
They also call for funding to be adapted by concentrating it at regional level where relevant, based on the excellence of the players involved. For example, the EU Semiconductor Strategy, which is due for revision, should adopt a “place-based innovation ecosystem approach”. The funds should be allocated “to targeted collaborative projects, as well as to the creation of interregional networks that foster knowledge sharing, development and production partnerships, research-industry collaboration, and technology transfer infrastructures”.
ESRA is also calling on the co-legislators to give semiconductors a prominent place in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with a dedicated line.
Still on the subject of public support, the Alliance is calling for the strengthening of ‘Projects of Common European Interest’ (IPCEIs), in particular through accelerated approval processes. In addition, it is asking that the regions be consulted in the selection of IPCEIs.
See the position paper: https://aeur.eu/f/hol (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)