Dutch chip sector calls for joint investment of €735 million
Among others, ASML, NXP and 62 other companies and knowledge institutions want to cooperate with the government to invest an additional €735 million in the semiconductor industry over the next 7 years. The goal is to strengthen the competitive position of the Netherlands.
Published on January 29, 2025
NXP Cleanroom, © Nadia Ten Wolde
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Today, the Dutch chip industry presented an ambitious innovation program to Minister Beljaarts of Economic Affairs. With a total investment of €735 million, of which €420 million is public, the industry aims to face international competition. The program focuses on chip machine construction, chip design, and packaging, with projects that promote sustainability and efficiency. The collaboration between 64 companies and knowledge institutions is betting on an expected economic impact of €4.8 billion. With the increasing role of chip technology in everyday life and challenges such as shortage of technical talent, this investment is crucial. The innovation program aligns with national strategies and European legislation, ensuring the public value and resilience of the Dutch semiconductor industry.
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The need for strategic investments
The Dutch chip sector is facing a crucial phase. The innovation program presented today comes at a time when international developments in the semiconductor industry are raging. The sector has developed a detailed plan for a public-private investment of €735 million spread over seven years. This investment is divided into €420 million of public investment and at least €315 million of private investment, on top of the existing innovation activities of the companies involved. The program has a clear goal: the return is estimated at €4.8 billion in added value for the Dutch economy at the end of the project period.
Focus on three core areas
The innovation program focuses on three segments in which the Netherlands excels internationally. These are chip machine building, chip design, and packaging. Concrete projects have been developed within these segments that contribute to three main goals: sustainability, efficiency, and value creation. An important aspect is improving design methods for chips and machines. These improvements are essential to increase productivity and manage the increasing complexity, allowing more to be done with fewer personnel. This is crucial given the current shortage of technical talent in the industry.
Sustainability as a core priority
A significant part of the program focuses on industry sustainability. Sector-wide cooperation is underway to reduce the use of harmful materials, such as PFAS. In addition, efforts are being made to simplify recycling processes. This focus on sustainability is not only an environmental issue but also a strategic necessity for the future sustainability of the sector. The societal role of chip technology has increased significantly in recent years and has become indispensable in addressing significant societal challenges in energy, digitization, security, and healthcare.
Broad sector collaboration
The strength of this innovation program lies in the broad representation of the entire Dutch semiconductor value chain. The partnership includes 64 companies and knowledge institutions. This unique coalition consists of large listed companies, knowledge institutions, start-ups, SMEs, and suppliers spread throughout the Netherlands. The program aligns with existing policy frameworks such as the EU Chips Act, the National Technology Strategy, the TKI High-Tech System and Materials and the infrastructure and talent-focused 'Project Beethoven'.
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