Core Viewpoint - The Netherlands must accelerate investments in the semiconductor industry to maintain its competitive edge amid increasing international competition and geopolitical tensions [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Importance of Semiconductors - Semiconductors are essential for modern technologies, including electric vehicles, medical devices, artificial intelligence, and defense systems [2]. - The Netherlands plays a critical role in the semiconductor supply chain but is becoming overly dependent on other countries for key value chain components [2]. Group 2: Beethoven Plan - The "Beethoven Plan" involves a joint investment of €2.51 billion from the government, regional authorities, and industry to enhance the semiconductor business environment [2]. - The plan focuses on the Brainport region, which includes key players like ASML and aims to create 62,000 new housing units and improve infrastructure by 2030 [2]. - A talent development initiative aims to train 38,000 skilled professionals by 2030, with an investment of €450 million and ongoing annual funding of €80 million [2]. Group 3: European Semiconductor Coalition - The urgency for action extends beyond the Netherlands, as the European Semiconductor Coalition was formed with eight other EU member states to enhance Europe's position in the global semiconductor value chain [3]. - The coalition aims to increase local chip production, as Europe currently holds only about 10% of the global semiconductor sales market [3]. Group 4: International Cooperation and Security - The Netherlands is fostering collaborations with countries like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the USA in areas such as innovation and talent exchange [5]. - Stricter export controls on advanced chip manufacturing equipment have been implemented to prevent misuse for military purposes [5]. Group 5: National Innovation Capability - A broad coalition of 64 semiconductor companies in the Netherlands has proposed the "ChipNL" innovation plan, focusing on chip design, advanced packaging, and production equipment [6]. - The plan seeks government co-funding to enhance the country's semiconductor capabilities and is closely aligned with national defense objectives [6]. Group 6: Semiconductor Industry Blueprint - The Netherlands will establish the "Semicon Board Netherlands" in early 2025 to create a development blueprint for the semiconductor industry aimed at 2035 [7]. - The Minister emphasizes the need for immediate action to maintain the country's creativity, strategic autonomy, and economic resilience [7].