Three challenges for a stronger semiconductor supply chain
The Board focused in particular on measures that could strengthen the Netherlands’ industrial base in the fields of advanced packaging, photonics, advanced materials and metrology. Each of the three plans addresses a different part of the supply chain.
Work is underway in Nijmegen on an advanced packaging pilot line (R&D) for research and development. A possible next step is a factory for the assembly and testing of chips (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test, OSAT), a link that is currently missing from the Dutch and European supply chain.
Discussions also centred on a proposed photonics factory. The Netherlands is a leader in integrated photonics, but currently produces mainly prototypes and small batches. Demand for photonic chips for applications including AI, data communications, sensors and quantum computing is growing rapidly. That is why the move to industrial-scale production is necessary.
The third initiative is the Institute for Advanced Materials & Metrology (IAMM). This is a proposed R&D centre where companies, research institutions and public authorities will collaborate on new materials, deposition technology and metrology. The Board discussed how the IAMM can tie in with existing initiatives in the Netherlands and Europe.
Current affairs and policy
The Board was also briefed on the progress of the Tech Creators Coalition and the European Chips Act 2.0, the National Agency for Disruptive Innovation (NADI) and the Government-wide Quantum Strategy.
Sticking together
"The Semicon Vision 2035 is increasingly taking shape," says Peter Stolk, chair of Holland High Tech and chair of Key Technologies. "Advanced packaging, photonics and advanced materials offer the Netherlands significant opportunities to strengthen the chip supply chain. Through Holland High Tech and the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda (KIA) for Key Technologies, we remain closely involved in the innovation agenda of the Semicon programme, as well as a number of other innovation agendas. We do this through the action agendas of the National Technology Strategy (NTS), the establishment of public-private partnerships and close links with Semicon programmes under the National Growth Fund (NGF). In this way, research, innovation and industry are joining forces across the board.”
