More than 60 people took part in the first Nordic Chip Collaboration meeting in Helsinki, 3-4 December. The initiative, that was kicked-off in October, focuses on enhancing cooperation across the Nordic semiconductor ecosystem, strengthening the region’s position in the global semiconductor market, and contributing to a greener and more sustainable industry.
Read more about the Nordic Chip Collaboration
No country is autonomous
The meeting discussed the current semiconductor landscape with insights into Europe’s strengths, weaknesses and position within the global value chain. Julia Hess, Senior Policy Researcher from Interface, talked about countries and regions such as Taiwan, USA, China and Europe’s strengths in the global value chain and showcased examples of different types of chips and their value chains. She highlighted that all chips are different with highly diversified value chains, but that there is one important conclusion to draw:
“Interdependencies are here to stay. Cooperation is crucial. No country is autonomous in chip production.”
What can the Nordics offer?
Insights into the Nordic semiconductor industry, including challenges and growth opportunities, were presented by representatives from Innovation Norway, Technology Industries of Finland, Svensk Electronic, Sintef and Business Sweden. They all highlighted collaboration as key in solving challenges faced by the industry.
“The global challenges of strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, competitiveness and security of supply also applies on national levels. This opens for collaboration amongst like-minded friends,” said Ralph Bernstein, Senior Business Developer, SINTEF.
The presentations were followed by panel and group discussions looking into more concrete suggestions and ideas for collaboration opportunities across the Nordic semiconductor ecosystem. Among the ideas were the creation of a common Nordic value proposition for the semiconductor industry, attraction and education of skilled labor and talents, standardization on reporting, sustainability strategies, creation of a Nordic competence center and attraction of VC capital.
Background
The Nordic Chip Collaboration is supported under the Sustainable Minerals program. The project partners are Innovation Norway, Business Finland and Business Sweden.
