European Chips Act – From a Swedish Academic Perspective

The global investments in semiconductors prompt Sweden to strategically review its needs for access to chips. In a tumultuous time with a shortage of advanced technology, new markets are simultaneously opening up and becoming attractive for Swedish products. In the semiconductor industry, there is a significant need for competence enhancement related to both design and manufacturing, and increased education in this area is essential. Access to new pilot lines and open foundries in Europe requires a mixed competence in design and process technology. Access to Swedish infrastructure and the internationalization of research and education are becoming increasingly important.

The Swedish universities, Lund University, Chalmers, and KTH, are working collaboratively, along with industry, institutes, and other societal stakeholders, to establish a national agenda for semiconductors in Sweden in response to international initiatives. The goal of this initiative is to establish impactful educational programs for the 2030s, linked to excellence in semiconductor research and state-of-the-art infrastructure, contributing to innovation and Swedish competitiveness.

Sweden possesses cutting-edge technology, particularly in ‘Compound Semiconductor Technology,’ an area where we have successfully coordinated European initiatives and contributed to the development of international roadmaps. The work on forming powerful international consortia and the development of components with unique performance has been crucial in putting Sweden on the map in this field. The presentation is delivered by Lars-Erik Wernersson, Professor of Nanoelectronics at Lund University.