SEMI Europe, Partners Host High-Level Forum to Tackle Semiconductor Talent Gap

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SEMI Europe, in partnership with the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA), the European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA), OECD, and EU STEM Coalition, has invited policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to join its forum on “Accelerating Europe’s Tech Advantage” in Brussels on October 2, 2025. This high-level gathering will focus on addressing Europe’s semiconductor talent gap and serve as a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore strategies to strengthen Europe’s skills pipeline and sustain its leadership in advanced technologies.

Through the European Commission’s Union of Skills and STEM Education Strategic Plan, STEM education remains a top priority to ensure a workforce ready for high-tech sectors including semiconductors. By 2030, the industry could face a shortage in Europe of over 75,000 skilled workers, especially hardware engineers and technicians. While STEM graduates are increasing overall, only 28% specialize in semiconductor-relevant fields, and fewer than 18,000 entered the industry in 2022, according to the ECSA Skills Strategy 2024 report.

This talent gap poses a strategic risk as semiconductors underpin AI, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and defence. The seminar will address these challenges, highlight measurable solutions, and explore ways to secure Europe’s talent pipeline.

“The talent shortage is one of the most unprecedented challenges facing the semiconductor industry today. To secure Europe’s long-term competitiveness, SEMI Europe, in collaboration with the OECD and the STEM coalition, will strengthen education pathways and expand the talent pipeline through key initiatives that support the industry’s future growth,” said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe.

“The event underscores the necessity of coordinated action to strengthen engineering and technical education, ensure alignment with semiconductor industry needs, and secure the skills pipeline that will sustain Europe’s technological leadership in the years ahead,” said Christopher Frieling, Director, Advocacy and Public Policy, SEMI Europe.

The forum will feature keynote addresses from Laith Altimime (SEMI Europe), Andreas Schleicher (OECD), and Beatrice Boots (EU STEM Coalition), followed by a panel discussion moderated by Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager EU Projects, SEMI Europe and Milva Carbonaro, Coordinator, SPACE4GEO. A networking reception will conclude the program to foster collaboration and future action.