Faster investment, stronger regional semiconductor ecosystems and a clearer link between European funding and regional excellence were at the centre of a series of exchanges held by Thomas Schmidt (DE/EPP), Member of the Saxon State Parliament and European Committee of the Regions (CoR) rapporteur on the European Chips Act 2.0.
As part of the preparation of his opinion, Schmidt exchanged views with Matthias Ecke MEP (S&D), European Parliament shadow rapporteur; Deputy Permanent Representative Cáit Moran of the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU; Pierre Chastanet, Head of Unit at DG CONNECT; regions from the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESRA); as well as research institutions and European universities.
A central question throughout the meetings was how the European Chips Act 2.0 can strengthen the European chip industry, secure an advantage in European research as well as deliver faster and more effective investment in Europe’s semiconductor regions.
In particular, discussions focused on the Commission’s proposed European Semiconductor Region of Excellence label and how it could be given practical value. This includes defining what constitutes a Region of Excellence and exploring how the label could connect strong regional semiconductor ecosystems with concrete benefits. Also, the role of ESRA was a central question throughout the exchanges.
Reacting after the meeting Schmidt said "Financing remains an important open question. The exchanges identified the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) as an appropriate instrument for semiconductor investment, alongside Horizon Europe. ERDF and other funding could play a role where investment concerns regional infrastructure."
Another priority was speed. Discussions covered faster State aid notification, permitting and approval procedures, as well as the possibility of using regions as test beds for new approaches to simplification and faster funding approval.
The exchanges also highlighted the need to better connect support for individual projects with the development of the wider semiconductor ecosystems around them. This includes preparing the workforce and skills required for future investment and mobilising more private investment and venture capital alongside targeted public funding.
Moving more quickly from “lab to fab” was another recurring theme, particularly the need to help start-ups move from research and innovation into industrial applications. At the same time, Europe should build on its existing leading-edge strengths and research excellence, including in areas such as quantum and photonics, to strengthen its global position and economic security.