Europe should enhance its role as a leader in semiconductor research and chip equipment production rather than striving to compete directly with top chip manufacturers globally. This insight comes from the CEO of the prominent semiconductor research institute imec, Luc Van den Hove, who spoke at the recent ITF World conference.
Luc Van den Hove emphasized Europe’s integral role in the semiconductor industry, stating, “You can’t make an advanced chip without European technology.” He highlighted that ASML, the largest chip equipment maker in the world, relies heavily on German optics and research developments from imec. Besides ASML, Europe is home to other vital semiconductor equipment companies such as ASM International.
On the same day, imec, based in Belgium, revealed plans to establish a 2.5-billion-euro pilot line dedicated to the research and development of next-Generation semiconductor technologies. This initiative aims to push forward the capabilities beyond the current 2-nanometre chips that are just beginning to be produced. However, Van den Hove clarified that this should not be interpreted as a step towards establishing a European company capable of manufacturing these ultra-advanced chips on a commercial scale, similar to efforts by Japanese company Rapidus with government backing.
Van den Hove expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Europe setting up its own sub-two nanometre foundry, suggesting that it might not be a prudent move. He believes Europe should instead focus on attracting investments from the world’s leading chipmakers like TSMC, Intel, and Samsung. He noted that while Intel is planning to build a significant facility in Magdeburg, Germany, capable of producing chips finer than 2 nanometres, TSMC is also considering a plant in Dresden for less advanced, yet still important, 22-nanometre technology.
This strategic focus on strengthening research and production capabilities in existing areas of expertise, rather than entering into direct competition with the established giants of the semiconductor manufacturing industry, positions Europe to leverage its technological strengths and maintain a pivotal role in the global chip market.
