EU4DigitalUA shared Spanish expertise in semiconductors and microelectronics

The EU4DigitalUA FIIAPP team conducted a training session dedicated to sharing Spain’s experience in the semiconductor and microelectronics fields, with the aim of enhancing Ukraine’s position in this strategic industry. Semiconductors and microelectronics have become key sectors for economic and technological development in both Spain and the European Union. In this context, the PERTE Chip project was launched to strengthen and expand Spain’s chip production capabilities, establishing the country as a leader in the field. In 2022, semiconductor sales in Europe reached a historic high of $53.809 billion, representing a 12.3% increase, according to data from the Spanish Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA).

The training session featured opening remarks by Valeriia Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, and María Gastón Betrán, Technical Institutional Coordinator of EU4DigitalUA, who also moderated the event. Participants included representatives from both public and private companies.

Jaime Martorell Suárez, Vice President of SETT (Spanish Society for Technological Transformation), provided an overview of the global landscape of the semiconductor and microelectronics industry, with a particular emphasis on the European Union. His presentation covered key topics such as the “Chips Act and Chips JU: Spanish Experience in the EU Context” and “SETT/PERTE Chip: Strategic Plan of Spain.”

“The European Union created the corresponding Act on Chips with three main pillars or components. The first component is the chips for Europe initiative, whose goal is to develop the necessary infrastructure in synergy with the European Union, and provide support to startups and SMEs. The second pillar focuses more on supply security. Europe currently produces 8-10% of the world’s semiconductors, and our aim is to increase that to 20% in the coming years. The third pillar is monitoring and response to crisis situations,” emphasised Jaime Martorell Suárez.

According to the presentation, AI, edge computing, and digital transformation are pivotal to the semiconductor industry’s future, with global demand expected to double and reach USD 1 trillion by 2030.

Pedro Martín Jurado from the Support Unit of the Vice President of SETT presented Spain’s Strategic Project for Microelectronics and Semiconductors (PERTE Chip) aimed at advancing the country’s scientific, design, and manufacturing capacities in the microelectronic and semiconductor industry. He explained Spain’s success in implementing this initiative, highlighting key factors as being the 4th largest economy in the EU, with consolidated strengths in logistics, labour productivity, digital sectors, clean energy, and social rights. Spain also serves as a hub for international connectivity, with Madrid playing a crucial role in submarine cables, data centres, and edge computing infrastructure.

Both Spain and Ukraine have the opportunity to strengthen their capacities in semiconductors and microelectronics by learning from initiatives like PERTE Chip. Cooperation between the public and private sectors will be essential to overcoming the technological and investment challenges, ultimately boosting Ukraine’s sovereignty and competitiveness in the global market.