Bridging the Semiconductor Talent Gap– The Role of the European Chips Act and Beyond By Isabella Drolz, Comet Yxlon
Moreover, the semiconductor industry needs to broaden its appeal beyond traditional engineering roles. The ECDA’s focus on diversifying the workforce highlights the need for professionals in areas such as finance, marketing, service, operations, human resources, and many more. Promoting the industry as one that values a wide range of skill sets will help attract talent capable of meeting the sector’s growing demands. The Path Forward: Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline The projected semiconductor talent gap in Europe by 2030 is a significant challenge to the continent’s technological ambitions. However, with targeted efforts from industry, education, and government, this gap can be closed. In conclusion, the ECA and the ECDA are critical steps toward securing Europe’s leadership in the semiconductor industry. However, to fully leverage these initiatives, the industry must place greater emphasis on brand awareness and its long-term benefits in attracting talent. By addressing the skills gap through education, increased industry and brand awareness, and a strong commitment to diversity, Europe can build a robust semiconductor workforce capable of driving innovation and ensuring technological sovereignty. The time to act is now, and the rewards—for Europe and the global community—are immense.
technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs that attract young talent. The semiconductor sector can replicate this by creating interest in its technology among students from a young age. Educational initiatives should start early, engaging students from primary school through university. Why? Because making technology fun and accessible will create passion, which will set the foundation for future talents to enter the industry. In addition, programs that highlight the critical role semiconductors play in modern technology, such as workshops, summer camps, and competitions, can spark interest in the field. Additionally, offering scholarships and internships in partnership with semiconductor companies can provide students with valuable industry experience, further solidifying their interest.
By enabling collaboration between academia and industry, the ECDA is developing innovative training programs directly linked to EU standards. This methodology aims to assess the landscape of DEI in the European chips sector, pinpointing challenges and opportunities while shaping policy recommendations and actionable measures to drive change. The ECDA is supported by a consortium of 11 partners from across Europe, representing industry, social partners, and higher education and vocational education and training providers. Key partners include companies like Merck, Comet, X-FAB, and educational institutions such as ECSP, EudaOrg and Comenius University Bratislava. The involvement of major industry players like Intel, Infineon, and GlobalFoundries further boosts the initiative’s potential to bridge the skills gap while
The European Chips Act (ECA) is pivotal to Europe’s strategy for technological sovereignty, aiming to strengthen the continent's semiconductor supply chain and foster innovation. However, a key obstacle remains: the projected shortfall of 350,000 semiconductor professionals by 2030. Addressing this talent shortage is critical for the ECA's success and requires a combined effort of policy initiatives and industry actions. The Talent Shortfall: A Pressing Concern To achieve its goal of capturing 20% of the global semiconductor market, Europe needs a significant increase in skilled workers. Current estimates suggest that by 2030, demand for semiconductor professionals will reach 600,000, but only about 250,000 individuals are expected to be available, leaving a gap of 350,000 experts. This shortfall not only threatens Europe's competitive edge in the semiconductor market but also hampers its broader technological and economic ambitions. Forecast: Estimated talent gap in Europe’s semiconductor landscape in 2030
Industry partnerships are crucial to achieving these goals. Under SEMI Europe’s leadership in the ECDA, semiconductor companies collaborate with educational
institutions and governments to create comprehensive training programs, mentorship, and career pathways. These initiatives will be inclusive, providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter the semiconductor industry.
promoting long- term innovation through a diverse talent pool.
Building Brand Awareness In addition to promoting diversity, semiconductor companies must focus on increasing brand awareness—an often overlooked but critical factor in attracting talent. The semiconductor industry, though foundational to modern technology, remains largely invisible to the public. This makes it difficult to attract skilled workers, especially those unfamiliar with the sector’s vital role in everyday life, from powering smartphones to enabling renewable energy systems. Raising public awareness about the importance of semiconductors
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is key to inspiring interest and drawing talent from diverse fields. Europe’s automotive industry can be a role model here. The semiconductor industry could take inspiration from this sector, which has successfully built strong brand loyalty and inspired a passion for Europe’s automotive brands and industry globally. With outstanding innovation, being part of something bigger, and thereby creating passion, could be also a winning strategy for the semiconductor sector. Education and Industry Collaboration Investing in education is essential for addressing the talent shortfall. The semiconductor industry should look again to the automotive sector as a model, where companies have partnered with universities to create specialized science,
Figure 1: The EU semiconductro talent gap.
The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) Next to other programs, a crucial player in addressing this issue is the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA), headed by SEMI Europe. The ECDA aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the European semiconductor sector by strengthening ties between industry and education. By lowering barriers for underrepresented groups, the ECDA seeks to foster greater participation in the semiconductor workforce, addressing the missing talent critical to the growth and competitiveness of Europe’s microelectronics industry.
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