{"id":2426,"date":"2026-10-22T16:51:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T13:51:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tampere.eu\/?p=2426"},"modified":"2026-10-22T16:51:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T13:51:28","slug":"joint-statement-from-finlands-leading-semiconductor-regions-on-the-eu-chips-act-the-label-for-europes-semiconductor-excellence-regions-must-carry-real-weight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tampere.eu\/en\/joint-statement-from-finlands-leading-semiconductor-regions-on-the-eu-chips-act-the-label-for-europes-semiconductor-excellence-regions-must-carry-real-weight\/","title":{"rendered":"Joint Statement from Finland\u2019s Leading Semiconductor Regions on the EU Chips Act: The Label for Europe\u2019s Semiconductor Excellence Regions Must Carry Real Weight"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Helsinki-Uusimaa region and Tampere region, the cities of Espoo, Vantaa, and Tampere, as well as VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, have issued a joint statement on the European Commission\u2019s proposed EU Chips Act 2.0. In the statement, we propose amendments concerning funding, quantum technologies, recognition of regional ecosystems, and skills development. The Chips Act should be closely linked to the funding programmes of the EU\u2019s next financial framework, and the semiconductor region of excellence label should lead to tangible benefits. Europe\u2019s most advanced semiconductor regions should be formally integrated into the structure of the Chips Act.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Commission\u2019s Initiative Builds on the First Chips Act<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Commission\u2019s proposal for Chips Act 2.0 is a continuation of the first Chips Act adopted in 2023. The structure of the proposal, which is part of the EU\u2019s technological sovereignty package, remains largely similar to the previous version. New measures are introduced to strengthen the European semiconductor ecosystem, while existing instruments are adapted to meet the demands of the evolving operating environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first Chips Act focused primarily on strengthening the supply of European chips. For Finland, the regulation enabled investments in semiconductor infrastructure, including pilot lines. The new proposal shifts the emphasis towards demand-side measures while maintaining support for supply-side activities. New initiatives include a demand forum that brings together semiconductor supply and demand, \u201cGrand Challenges\u201d designed to support technology development from research to industrialization, and innovative procurement mechanisms. Through the Grand Challenges initiative, Europe also aims to establish new semiconductor manufacturing facilities, thereby strengthening the EU\u2019s technological autonomy. To further reinforce semiconductor supply, the Commission proposes measures such as extending the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) status across the entire value chain, accelerating permitting procedures, and introducing a new category of Strategic Projects required to demonstrate clear European added value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a regional perspective, key elements include the proposed Semiconductor Excellence Region Label and a new network bringing together Europe\u2019s leading semiconductor regions as part of the governance structure of the regulation. To obtain this label, a region must prepare a comprehensive semiconductor investment plan demonstrating its attractiveness and readiness for semiconductor investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Commission\u2019s proposal does not yet include concrete provisions regarding the level or sources of funding. The financial package will depend on negotiations concerning the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028\u20132034). The most significant EU funding instruments for the semiconductor sector are expected to be the future framework programme for research, development, and innovation, as well as the new Competitiveness Fund, which will support activities closer to industrial deployment and scaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposed legislation is currently being discussed in the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The institutions have set a political objective of reaching an agreement during the second quarter of 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finland\u2019s Semiconductor Ecosystem Drives Technological Development Across Europe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The regions of Uusimaa and Pirkanmaa account for 78.8% of Finland\u2019s total semiconductor industry turnover. Within this ecosystem, research progresses to pilot production and pilot production scales into industrial manufacturing. World-class research, shared pilot lines, and industry are located within the same labor market area, allowing expertise and ideas to move seamlessly between organizations. This combined regional capability can support the achievement of the European Union\u2019s broader strategic objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finland\u2019s strengths include advanced chip design; MEMS and sensor technologies; Photonics and optoelectronics; Quantum technologies; Specialty materials and process technologies; Edge AI and physical AI systems. These are precisely the semiconductor segments in which Europe enjoys a relative competitive advantage and where Finland can contribute significantly to the Union\u2019s future development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The success of the Chips Act will ultimately depend on how funding and benefits are allocated. The infrastructure created under the first Chips Act is already in place, and our position is that it should be fully utilized rather than shifting attention exclusively to new projects. Funding should be allocated on the basis of excellence and expertise, rather than as a tool for balancing geographic disparities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

the basis of excellence and expertise, rather than as a tool for balancing geographic disparities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

the basis of excellence and expertise, rather than as a tool for balancing geographic disparities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Key Recommendations for Improving the Chips Act<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stronger Link to Funding<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chips Act 2.0 and the forthcoming Quantum Act should be connected to all policy windows of the European Competitiveness Fund and to Horizon Europe. Funding allocation should be based on excellence rather than state aid capacity. European added value, not national budgetary resources, should guide future development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Stronger Quantum Dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantum and semiconductor technologies share the same processes, infrastructure, and talent base, and should therefore be addressed within a unified legislative framework. The manufacturing of quantum chips should be explicitly recognized in the regulation and should be eligible for First-of-a-Kind status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meaningful Semiconductor Excellence Region Label<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Commission-awarded excellence label must have clear practical implications, including direct access to funding opportunities under the Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe. Regions should be defined based on expertise and geographical proximity rather than administrative boundaries. The network of labeled excellence regions should have a permanent role within the legislation and a seat at the table of the semiconductor industry alliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investing in Top Talent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Europe can remain competitive in frontier technologies only through world-class expertise. EU skills instruments, including the Union of Skills, European Skills Academies, the Pact for Skills, and the Choose Europe initiative, should be fully leveraged to attract top talent and upskill the existing workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advancing the Common Message in Finland and Across Europe<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Helsinki-Uusimaa region and Tampere region, the cities of Espoo, Vantaa, and Tampere, and VTT have submitted the joint statement to EU institutions to support the legislative process. The European Parliament and the Council are expected to establish their positions in the coming months before entering trilogue negotiations on the final regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of advocacy efforts, our delegation visited Strasbourg during the European Parliament\u2019s plenary session in October. Meetings were held with numerous Members of the European Parliament to discuss key objectives, the progress of the legislative process, and concrete amendments to the Commission\u2019s proposal. Engagement with policymakers in Brussels will continue throughout the autumn and early winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative also has an important national dimension. Finland should actively pursue recognition as a Semiconductor Excellence Region as soon as the final Chips Act 2.0 enters into force. Achieving this objective will require financial investment in preparing the regional investment plan and securing matching funds needed to leverage future EU funding opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The full position paper can be found below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n