Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. A European strategy for micro- and nanoelectronic components and systems

Micro- and nanoelectronic components and systems are not only essential to digital products and services; they also underpin innovation and competitiveness of all major economic sectors. Today's cars, planes, and trains are safer, more energy-efficient and comfortable thanks to their electronic parts. The same holds for large sectors like medical and health equipment, home appliances, energy networks and security systems. This is why micro- and nanoelectronics is a Key Enabling Technology (KET) and is essential for growth and jobs in the European Union (EU).

This Communication sets out a strategy to strengthen the competitiveness and growth capacity of the micro- and nanoelectronics industry in Europe. In line with the updated industrial policy, the aim is for Europe to stay at the forefront in the design and manufacturing of these technologies and to provide benefits across the economy.

The strategy spans policy instruments at regional, national and EU level including financial support for research, development and innovation (R&D&I), access to capital investment (CAPEX) as well as the improvement and better use of relevant legislation. The strategy builds on Europe's strengths and on regional clusters of excellence. It covers the whole value chain from material and equipment manufacturing to design and volume production of micro- and nanoelectronics components and systems.

The importance of the area and the challenges faced by the stakeholders in the EU require urgent and bold actions in order to leave no weak link in Europe's innovation and value chains. The focus is on:
- Attracting and channelling investments in support of a European roadmap for industrial leadership in micro- and nanoelectronics.
- Setting up an EU-level mechanism to combine and focus support to micro- and nanoelectronics R&D&I by Member States, the EU and the private sector.
- Taking measures to strengthen Europe's competitiveness towards a global level playing field regarding state aid, to support business development and SMEs, and to address the skills gap.

EUR-Lex: COM(2013)298: Follow the progress of this communication through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2013:298:FIN

ESO: Background information: Commission proposes New European Industrial Strategy for Electronics – better targeted support to mobilise €100 billion in new private investments http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-commission-proposes-new-european-industrial-strategy-for-electronics-better-targeted-support-to-mobilise-e100-billion-in-new-private-investments/

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