Europe’s declining world market share in semiconductors could be boosted by next month’s inaugural meeting of the High Level Group On Key Enabling Technologies backed by several EC commissioners, the European parliament and key member states.
“The declining share of Europe in the worldwide development and production of semiconductors contrasts with their increasing importance, “ says Peter Bauer, president of the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA),
“Semiconductors are the raw material for innovation for crucial European lead industries, driving innovation solutions in energy efficiency, transportation, medical and communication”, adds Bauer, “the EU relies on semiconductors for their growing industries and employment.”
Over the last decade, Europe has seen a gradual semiconductor market decline compared to other regions. This trend is expected to continue in 2010 with Europe’s share of the worldwide market reaching 13% (from 18% in 2004).
Furthermore, the share of global semiconductor production in Europe has seen a further decrease from 12.5% in 2004 to 9.6% in 2009.
Following a 22% decline in 2009, compared to a world market decline of 29%, Europe’s semiconductor market is forecast by WSTS by to grow 28% which is a few points less than consensus growth estimates for the world market.
The EC sees the semiconductor sector as one of five key enabling technologies that have been identified as strategically ‘flagships’ important for Europe’s development .
“The High Level Group members are now centre-stage to change the good words into concrete deeds”, says ESIA Director Martin Spät. The first meeting of the group is on July 13th.