Minister Beljaarts launches public-private consultation platform for the semiconductor sector

Representatives from the semiconductor sector and cabinet members have started the public-private consultation platform Semicon Board NL, chaired by Minister Beljaarts. Participants are working on a sector agenda for 2035 and discussing the necessary investments and ambitions for this important industry. The Netherlands aims to remain a global player.

ASM, ASML, Axelera AI, Nearfield Instruments, NXP, SmartPhotonics, VDL ETG, industry association High Tech NL representing SMEs, and Holland High Tech (collaboration between research, business, and government) along with Ministers Klever (Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation) and Bruins (Education, Culture and Science) are the regular participants.

Minister Beljaarts (Economic Affairs): “It is essential to keep our semiconductor sector innovative and competitive. This ensures our prosperity and security in Europe and the Netherlands. Better collaboration, including public funding, helps keep innovative companies, suppliers, and researchers at a global level. With Semicon Board NL, we can effectively work on themes such as knowledge, research & development, and also on challenges like sufficient talent and venture capital for growth.”

The public-private Semicon Sector Agenda 2035 will consist of four themes. A key part is the international competitiveness of the sector. The Netherlands wants to take the lead in creating a so-called coalition of the willing where involved EU countries and the European Commission collaborate on policy and stimulation. It also involves increased focus on innovation and industrial policy for technologies such as photonics, AI, 6G, and quantum, as well as new forms of design and packaging of chips.

The other three themes are sufficient talent, availability of venture capital for SMEs in this sector, and improving European resilience. This includes ensuring the availability of raw materials and addressing supply chain disruption risks.

Today, 64 companies and (knowledge) organizations are also presenting their own semiconductor innovation program under the name ChipNL to Minister Beljaarts. With this, the semiconductor sector aims to strengthen the global position of the Netherlands through innovation. By improving design and production methods for chips and machines, the sectors productivity can increase, keeping the Netherlands a global leader in the semiconductor sector.