It’s Only Common Sense: Be the Vendor They Compare Everyone Else To
The Marketing Minute: If Your Marketing Budget Gets Cut in Half, Then What?
The SEMI Industry Strategy Symposium Europe (ISS Europe) 2026 is set to open tomorrow in Sopot, Poland, convening top executives, industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders at a pivotal moment for Europe’s semiconductor industry. As geopolitical tensions reshape global trade and supply chains, the event will serve as a strategic forum to address Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and technological sovereignty. Registration is open.
Themed Navigating Geopolitics: Shaping Europe’s Future, ISS Europe 2026 will examine how shifting global power dynamics are influencing semiconductor strategy, investment, and innovation. Discussions will focus on strengthening supply chain resilience, accelerating pilot lines and advanced manufacturing, enhancing fab management through AI and automation, and translating Europe’s R&D leadership into industrial and commercial success.
“Europe is facing a defining moment as geopolitical pressures and technological competition intensify,” said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. “Against this backdrop, we look forward to welcoming industry leaders to ISS Europe 2026 to align strategies, strengthen partnerships, and define concrete actions to enhance Europe’s resilience and competitiveness. Only through close collaboration can these challenges be overcome.”
“Pomerania is proud to host ISS Europe 2026 at a time when regional ecosystems play a critical role in strengthening Europe’s semiconductor sovereignty,” said Mikołaj Trunin, Deputy Director of Invest in Pomerania. “With a strong talent base, expanding infrastructure, and close ties between industry and academia, our region is well positioned to support the next wave of semiconductor innovation in Europe.”
“ISS Europe brings together a unique mix of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators at a time of growing uncertainty as geopolitical dynamics reshape the global semiconductor landscape,” said Leonard Hobbs, Director of Government Affairs at Intel Ireland and Chair of ISS Europe. “Through open dialogue and shared insight, the symposium provides an important platform to exchange perspectives on technology, investment, and policy priorities that will influence the future of Europe’s microelectronics ecosystem.”
ISS Europe 2026 Featured Highlights
Nobel Peace Laureate Keynote: Lech Wałęsa
Participants will gain a unique perspective from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Wałęsa, who will share insights on leadership, resilience, and Europe’s role in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Pilot Lines: How to Commercialize Europe’s Competitiveness
Leading R&D and innovation executives from imec, CEA-Leti, Fraunhofer EMFT, and PIXEurope will examine how Europe can accelerate technology transfer, scale pilot lines, and translate R&D leadership into industrial and commercial success.
From Cleanroom to Control Room: AI and Automation in the Future Fab
Senior manufacturing leaders from Bosch, GlobalFoundries, STMicroelectronics, and Infineon Technologies will discuss how AI, automation, and digitalization are transforming fab operations.
Futurist Keynote - The Autonomous Economy: How AI Is Reshaping Growth, Industry, and the Semiconductor Stack
Participants will gain a forward-looking perspective from futurist Christian Kromme on how AI is evolving from a software layer into an autonomous economic force.
Startup Innovations Driving the Next Era of Industry
Participants will discover how agile, technology-driven startups are accelerating innovation across the semiconductor ecosystem, from advanced materials and design to manufacturing and automation.
Exclusive Company & Regional Innovation Tours
Attendees will experience guided tours showcasing regional semiconductor assets and investment opportunities within Pomerania’s growing innovation ecosystem.
