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Yesterday SEMI announced six recommendations to the EU and national governments to encourage the microelectronic industry in Europe. The organization released a white paper addressed to senior government officials that calls for action to increase the competitiveness of the ailing semiconductor sector in Europe.

SEMI claims that Europe is likely to lose its technological edge across many industry sectors if it fails to adequately encourage R&D funding, workforce development and prominent industry clusters.

The semiconductor equipment and materials industry in Europe employs close to 105,000 people and produces over nine billion euro of semiconductor equipment and materials.

“Microelectronics have been, and continue to be, the driving force for technologies in all industries, helping to address societal challenges such as safety, climate change, energy shortages and health,” said Heinz Kundert, President of SEMI Europe. “In recent years, European competitiveness in semiconductor manufacturing has diminished partly due to greater incentives and competition in other regions. Therefore, it is vital that the industry take immediate action to reinforce and revitalize our local industry to ensure future competitiveness and viability.”