It looks as if the first demonstration tools for 450mm will be put in place next year at The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) in
Why aren't the first 450mm demonstration tools being installed at Imec, the world's leading microelectronics research establishment?
The answer, it seems, is politics.
Instead of supporting Imec's position as the world's pre-eminent microelectronics R&D centre, some elements of the European chip industry argue that Imec works with companies like Samsung, Intel and TSMC which are not European.
This is as silly as the arguments made 25 years ago when Siemens went to Toshiba for help with CMOS technology being developed as part of the EC-backed Megaproject, and when IBM, Siemens and Motorola invited Toshiba to join them in a consortium to develop advanced process technology.
In the high-tech world, nationalism doesn't work. You work with the best, or you become second best.
Intel realised that when they backed ASML to take over Silicon Valley Group against the politicking of US Congressmen and Senators who said this would be handing key technology to foreigners.
While Europe's microelectronics companies seem content with sinking to Tier 2 status in chip technology capability, it is all the more vital that Europe's one undisputed centre of microelectronics excellence should have its plans backed by all those who wish European microelectronics well.
I am usually the one to criticise the politicians and bureaucrats but I suspect on this one it is not they but the investment community that do not understand the importance of being in the lead with high technologies. The financial community seeks short-term gain rather than steady progress. The European semi manufacturers and labs such as IMEC need to explain to pension funds that sustained longterm growth only comes from being up with the leaders.