Following a recent call, the European Commission announced the selection of 27 Chips Competence Centres across 24 Member States and Norway to enhance technical expertise and skills development in the semiconductor sector.
The first wave of Chips Competence Centres, co-financed by the EU and national contributions, represents an investment of over €170m.
A second call will be launched in 2025, allowing all 27 Member States, plus Iceland and Norway.
Each of the proposals will now proceed to individual contract negotiations.
Overview of EU chips initiatives
The European Chips Act is a key strategy in redefining global technology markets. It casts an ambitious vision to bolster the EU’s market share in chip production from a modest 10% to a substantial 20%.
It’s designed to boost large-scale semiconductor manufacturers and aid SMEs by effectively lowering entry costs into this highly competitive market.
The Act aims to build more semiconductor plants across Europe through attractive financial incentives.
Strengthening Europe’s semiconductor sector
The Chips Competence Centres are set to play a fundamental role in strengthening Europe’s semiconductor innovation ecosystem.
They will provide businesses—especially SMEs and start-ups—with essential resources to develop semiconductor solutions, including support, training, and access to large infrastructure facilities established under the Chips Act, such as pilot lines and the design platform.
Reflecting and reinforcing regional and national strengths, each centre will specialise in one or more key technology areas.
This targeted approach secures long-term investment in localised expertise, ensuring a sustained focus on innovation and growth.
Each Chips Competence Centre will meet specific regional needs
Complementing this effort, a European network connecting the Chips Competence Centres will be established.
This network will serve as a resource hub, allowing centres to support Europe’s semiconductor industry better while addressing the unique needs of each regional ecosystem.
In early 2025, a second call will be launched to extend coverage, inviting all 27 Member States, including Iceland and Norway, to establish their Competence Centres.
For additional context, further details on the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the Chips for Europe Initiative under the Chips Act are available.
