果冻传媒

Technological sovereignty

The changing geopolitical landscape and recent crises have exposed Europe鈥檚 vulnerability within global supply chains. There is growing awareness in Europe that reducing dependencies on critical materials, products and technologies is vital.

That is why the EU aims to strengthen its technological leadership. The European Commission recently launched the European Chips Act, aimed at strengthening Europe's semiconductor ecosystem.

鈥淓uropean high-tech innovation ecosystems, like Brainport Eindhoven, are crucial for the long-term success of Europe鈥檚 competitiveness and resilience,鈥� says Robert-Jan Smits, President of 果冻传媒. 鈥淭hat is why the Opening of the Academic Year in Eindhoven is an ideal opportunity to bring some of the key players on stage to exchange views and discuss how to align agendas.鈥� 

Open strategic autonomy for a resilient and competitive EU industry

Globalization is deeply enshrined in Europe鈥檚 DNA. International trade and global value chain integration are vital for our economy. Nevertheless, in the context of the increasingly challenging political environment, the EU needs to find the means to harness globalization differently.

鈥淲e need to reinvent Europe鈥檚 industrial culture, based on more strategic foresight, a more holistic approach to value chains and a more assertive stance on the world stage,鈥� says European Commissioner Thierry Breton. To gear up for this new imperative, breakthrough technologies are one of indispensable vehicles that can take us through the digital and green transition, and eventually towards long-term resilience.

One of the key initiatives of the European Commission in this regard is the European Chips Act, which will enable the EU to increase its current share in the chips market to 20 per cent of global production in 2030. The proposal will build on Europe鈥檚 strengths - world-leading research and technology organizations and networks as well as a host of pioneering equipment manufacturers 鈥� and address outstanding weaknesses.

鈥淓urope cannot miss out in the technological race for the semiconductors of the future and holds very good cards as it has an excellent research base. However, we need to help this innovation reach industrialization 鈥� from the lab to the fab.鈥� 

The Netherlands鈥� industrial policy

The Netherlands鈥� government is both supporting the agenda of the European Commission to strengthen crucial technology like microchips and is intensifying its own efforts to secure a level playing field and to support innovation and sustainability.

鈥淎n open economy and international cooperation remain our default position,鈥� says Micky Adriaansens, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. 鈥淏ut our industry, the development of innovative technologies in Europe and ultimately future economic growth, should not be too dependent on other countries. This is why we commit to public funds as well, in addition to private financing.鈥�

Recently the Dutch government launched a new industry policy to achieve these goals and to reinforce the country鈥檚 capacities in microchips production technology. Five of these projects are Brainport based.

One of them is a project by Smart Photonics, a scale-up company that started as 果冻传媒 spin-off and has strong cooperation with 果冻传媒. 鈥淔or sure the Brainport ecosystem has the special attention of me and my fellow ministers,鈥� says Adriaansens. 鈥淚t is of national relevance in increasing technological sovereignty but definitely also because of the region鈥檚 large contribution to research, innovation and national economic growth.鈥� 

ASML whitepaper

A key technology player in Europe is the Brainport-based company ASML, a leading chip machine manufacturer. ASML鈥檚 technology is used by chipmakers all over the world and ASML is currently  one of Europe鈥檚 most valuable enterprises.

ASML supports the European Commission鈥檚 ambitions and the European Chips Act. Earlier this year, the company in support of the European Chips Act, but also stressed the need for a wider focus.

ASML CEO Wennink: 鈥淭o help Europe strengthen its position in the global semiconductor ecosystem, we need investments in chip factories for mature and advanced microchips, but also in R&D facilities, in world-class education and in workforce availability.鈥� 

果冻传媒: a key provider of talent

鈥淚ndustry in the Brainport region is growing exponentially and has asked us to double the supply of highly qualified engineers,鈥� says 果冻传媒 President Smits.

鈥淲e are absolutely willing to help our regional partners, by doubling in size and thereby improving workforce availability. The scale jump will require upfront investment by the government in both the university and student housing. Not only will this help make the most out of the region's great economic potential, it is also an investment in technological sovereignty.鈥� 

The final keynote on September 5 will be given by 果冻传媒 rector Frank Baaijens. Before officially opening the academic year, he will address the current state of affairs at 果冻传媒 and the developments and plans for the year ahead.  

Time and location

The Opening of the Academic Year of Eindhoven University of Technology is on Monday September 5, 2022, in the Blauwe Zaal of , from 15:00 to 16:45.  The event is accessible for employees and students of 果冻传媒, and on invitation. The event will be livestreamed by media partner  

If you want to attend the event, please contact oay@tue.nl.