Core Viewpoint - The EU Chips Act aims to increase Europe's semiconductor manufacturing market share from less than 10% to 20% by 2030, reflecting Europe's ambition to reduce dependence on Asia and the US in the digital economy and technology sovereignty [1][3]. Group 1: Challenges and Criticisms - The target of 20% market share was deemed unrealistic from the outset, with analysts noting that Europe accounted for only about 8.5% of global semiconductor purchases in 2020 and 2021, alongside a significant trade deficit in semiconductors [3]. - By 2014, Europe's ownership in 300mm wafer chip manufacturing had dropped to 2%, with actual production locations being less than 1%, indicating a need to rebuild the industry almost from scratch [3]. - Investment projects under the Chips Act have progressed slowly, with Intel's planned factory in Germany facing delays due to rising energy prices and supply chain uncertainties, pushing potential production to around 2030 [5][6]. Group 2: Investment and Market Projections - Despite the ambitious goals, the European semiconductor investment landscape remains bleak, with projections indicating that by 2032, EU investments will reach €147 billion, while global investments will total €2.16 trillion [6]. - The European Court of Auditors highlighted a significant disconnect between the commitments of the Chips Act and the reality of investment execution, with only about 10% of funding coming from the EU Commission [6][8]. Group 3: Industry Focus and Strategic Adjustments - Europe's semiconductor industry has historically focused on non-advanced process areas, lacking deep expertise in advanced technologies (e.g., below 5nm), and has not established a closed-loop ecosystem for supporting technologies [7]. - The EU has adjusted its 2030 market share target to 11.7%, but this includes revenue from companies like ASML, which skews the comparison [7]. - The European semiconductor policy continues to evolve, with efforts to strengthen the supply chain and promote local companies in power devices and automotive chips, while also advancing in RISC-V architecture to reduce reliance on US technologies [11][12]. Group 4: Future Prospects and Recommendations - The EU's semiconductor strategy should focus on system capabilities rather than solely on advanced processes, leveraging strengths in power devices and industrial control chips [15]. - A unified project approval process and transparent mechanisms are necessary to enhance project execution efficiency across member states [15]. - The global semiconductor landscape is shifting, with other countries facing similar challenges in their chip strategies, indicating a need for a balanced approach that considers industry coupling, talent development, and international collaboration [16].

Core Viewpoint - The Irish government has unveiled a semiconductor strategy aligned with the European Chips Act, aiming to enhance its semiconductor industry and position itself as a key player in Europe by creating high-value jobs and attracting significant investments [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Goals - The primary objective of Ireland's semiconductor strategy is to leverage its existing semiconductor footprint to ensure the security of the European semiconductor supply chain [2]. - The strategy includes plans to attract major manufacturers like Samsung and TSMC to establish factories in Ireland [1]. - By 2040, Ireland aims to support up to 34,500 new semiconductor jobs, as stated by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment [2]. Group 2: Investment and Infrastructure - The European Chips Act promises to provide €43 billion in policy-driven investments by 2030 to support various initiatives, including next-generation technologies [1]. - Ireland's strategy involves ensuring significant industrial investments, with ambitious plans to establish a leading chip manufacturing facility, two advanced foundries, and an advanced packaging plant [2]. Group 3: Ecosystem Development - Ireland has over 130 semiconductor companies, employing 20,000 people, with an annual export value of €13.5 billion [1]. - The government is committed to enhancing research and development, supporting innovation, and fostering a collaborative open ecosystem in the semiconductor sector [3]. - A comprehensive map of the Irish semiconductor ecosystem has been released to promote connections between research and innovation clusters and to engage the education system to meet the growing talent demand [2].