Government approves creation of Semiconductor and Chip Alliance in Catalonia to foster development in Southern Europe

by Virginia Greco

The Alliance aims to attract leading companies, foster specialized talent, boost research and innovation, and connect the local ecosystem globally. It will be supported by various government departments (with ACCIÓ providing essential technical and administrative functions), businesses, and research institutions, including the ICN2.

The Catalan Government has taken a significant step in advancing Catalonia's semiconductor industry by approving today the establishment of the "Mesa de la alianza de semiconductores y chips de Cataluña" (Semiconductor and Chip Alliance of Catalonia). This strategic public-private initiative aims to propel the growth and consolidation of the semiconductor ecosystem in the region, including electronics, photonics, and quantum technologies, with the ultimate goal of building a competitive, innovative, and sustainable economy. The governing body of the Alliance will work to attract leading companies in the sector, foster specialized talent development, promote research and innovation, and establish strong global connections for the local ecosystem.

The Alliance will be integrated into the Department of Business and Labor, with ACCIÓ providing essential technical and administrative support for its operations. Additionally, it receives support from other government departments (“Presidency, Economy and Finance”, “Universities and Research”, and “External Action and European Union”). Collaboration extends to prominent industry players and research institutions, including the General Council of Chambers of Catalonia, the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC), the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM-CSIC), the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). Over time, the Alliance aims to expand its membership to include representatives from other businesses, industries, and ecosystem entities.

The launch of this initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem and advancing the industrialization of chips and semiconductors in Catalonia. The government recognizes the unique opportunity presented by a combination of geopolitical and economic factors, coupled with the need for innovation due to the exhaustion of the current technological roadmap. However, this opportunity comes with challenges such as infrastructure development, skilled human resources, efficient supply chains, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.

To address these challenges, the Alliance's work will focus on four key areas through the establishment of dedicated working groups:

Ecosystem: Enhancing and developing the semiconductor ecosystem and its various value chain segments, fostering synergies within Catalonia's semiconductor industry and promoting global connectivity.
Talent: Nurturing and attracting specialized talent to drive innovation across multidisciplinary fields within the semiconductor industry.
Research: Boosting research and innovation, facilitating collaboration with end-users to develop joint solutions that address current and future industry challenges.
Industry and Investments: Establishing Catalonia as a hub for leading semiconductor technology companies throughout the entire value chain, including auxiliary industries.

In addition to these goals, the Alliance will play a crucial role in studying, formulating, and coordinating proposals for the semiconductor and chip strategy. An essential aspect of the Alliance's vision is indeed to actively engage Catalonia in European initiatives for the development of the semiconductor and chip ecosystem, which includes participation in the recently established Semiconductor European Regions Alliance.

For more information, read the full press release here (in Catalan).