Now is the time to deliver results for the semiconductor industry!

Europe is facing a crucial future issue: without a clear and long-term semiconductor strategy, we risk becoming too vulnerable in a world where technology controls both economy and security. Sweden has this week highlighted that the EU must act to build resilience, reduce dependency and strengthen our global competitiveness.

Semiconductors are at the heart of global technological development – they power everything from artificial intelligence, medical technology and electric vehicles to telecommunications and our most critical infrastructure. However, today, Europe is too dependent on other continents. If we are to safeguard our security, our competitiveness and our future innovation capacity, we must control this key technology.

Therefore, the Swedish government's announcement to join the European Semiconductor Coalition, together with the other 26 member states, is very welcome. This marks an important step forward for Sweden, especially as Swedish industry – through Svensk Elektronik and in collaboration with global players such as ASML, Infineon and Semi – has already supported the strategic goals.

By signing the Semiconductor Declaration, a clear, shared vision and consensus is created between industry and policymakers to strengthen Europe's semiconductor ecosystem. The Semiconductor Declaration emphasizes three strategic goals that must permeate an updated EU Chips Act 2.0:

Prosperity: build a strong European semiconductor ecosystem that creates economic and societal value.
Indispensability: ensure leadership in key areas of the value chain.
Resilience: strengthen Europe's capacity, supply chains and technological independence.

The coalition's goal is to create results on three fronts together with the European Commission:

Clear ownership and execution: The European Commission and the Member States must show clear leadership and act forcefully to realise the coalition's goals. Signatures on a well-worded document are not enough.
The right business conditions: It is necessary to create a healthy business climate, which includes measures such as:

Regulatory simplification and faster permit processes.
Secure access to energy and critical raw materials.
Strategic measures to attract and retain talent.
Market-driven business plan: A plan must be developed to secure the necessary investments and effectively connect European manufacturers to global end markets.

It is also of utmost importance that Sweden creates the necessary conditions to accelerate innovation and commercialization of research. Sweden has outstanding research in semiconductors. With focus and the right investments, there is potential to turn it into world-leading companies.

The work on a national strategy for semiconductors is underway under the leadership of Svensk Elektronik/Semicon Sweden in close collaboration with industry, academia and authorities. For Sweden and the EU to succeed, a holistic approach is required, where five priorities must be implemented in parallel:

Ecosystem: strengthened cooperation between industry, research and small and large companies.
Investments: coordination of EU and national resources, faster decisions for strategic projects and mobilisation of private capital.
Competence: building a robust European competence supply in semiconductor technologies.
Durability: energy-efficient and circular production that places Europe at the forefront of green technology.
International partnerships: cooperation with like-minded global actors, while protecting Europe's strategic autonomy.

Sweden now sits at the table with a historic chance to help shape Europe's future. The Semiconductor Declaration is the starting point – but now the real work begins. If Europe does not quickly increase its capacity, we risk falling behind.

It is time to move from words to action. For industry, for research, for Europe's competitiveness – and for our common future.

Sofia Persson Björk
Chairman, Swedish Electronics

Elizabeth Osterlund
CEO, Swedish Electronics

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