Svensk Elektronik in Magasin t: on the importance of a platform for semiconductors-Sweden

Semiconductors are one of the world's most crucial product areas and both the EU and the US are now investing in building up their own expertise, but experts believe that Europe must invest significantly more to maintain its competitiveness. Magasin t: has followed the issue, interviewed experts and visited the world's leading centers for semiconductor manufacturing.

Semiconductors have become one of the world's most strategic product areas – crucial for everything from electronics to the automotive industry. The pandemic exposed the vulnerability of global supply chains, prompting both the EU and the US to invest in building up their own expertise and manufacturing. In this geopolitically charged landscape, the question arises: how is Sweden doing?

Magasin t: has in a series of reports highlighted the importance of the semiconductor industry for the global economy. In the latest report, the editorial team interviewed industry representatives and experts, both in Sweden and internationally – including a visit to Taiwan, the world's center for semiconductor manufacturing, led by the company TSMC.

Several voices in the industry express concern that Sweden risks falling behind, and that greater investment and better coordination are required. Elizabeth Osterlund, Secretary General of Swedish Electronics, says that so far "there has been a lack of a platform for semiconductor Sweden - it has spread too much before."”

In response to this, the initiative Semicon Sweden recently launched – a national platform that brings together industrial companies, startups, research institutes, academia and organizations. The goal is to strengthen Sweden's position in semiconductors and create a foundation for long-term innovation. The initiative is part-funded by the EU.

Elisabet Österlund emphasizes the importance of building up expertise in Sweden from scratch:

– Because if we don't have the knowledge in Sweden, global industrial companies won't conduct their research and development activities here and we won't get investments here.

Sweden is still far from being able to compete with Taiwan – but there is potential. However, taking the step requires not only ambitions, but also clear priorities and more financial support, both nationally and through joint European initiatives.

Read the full article here: https://t.teknikforetagen.se/forskning-innovation/sverige-pa-startblocken-i-varldens-halvledarrace/

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