The VDMA semiconductor study for mechanical and plant engineering was presented in Frankfurt on Sept. 20. We spoke to Dr. Sandra Engle from the VDMA Productronic department about the well-attended event.
What were the key findings of the study?
Semiconductors are very much in focus. This applies to suppliers and users in the industry, but also to politicians. The EU should build on its strengths in the value chain and make targeted investments in mechanical and plant engineering, research and development and chip design. It must also invest in the education and training of skilled workers in order to maintain our innovative strength. The study also revealed that we have a deficit in the area of advanced packaging. We need to focus on system integration in order to stay on the ball technologically and reduce one-sided dependencies on Asia.
"Europe must catch up in the semiconductor market"
Is it a question of isolating Europe?
Not at all! The goal is strategically sensible international partnerships in order to offer technology to each other - for fair cooperation.
The panel discussed whether the EU Chips Act will help the mechanical and plant engineering industry ...
From the perspective of VDMA member companies, this is the right step. It was controversially discussed whether high investments are necessary to strengthen the European semiconductor industry. Another approach would be to promote thematically relevant research and innovation in Europe. It was a lively debate, partly because the participants were spontaneously invited to take an active part.
