The vibrant Belgian royal couple graced Dresden as their final stop during their German tour. Their primary interest? Uncovering Germany's thriving semiconductor industry. Saxony's Minister President, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), highlighted Belgium's pivotal role in European microelectronics. "Without Belgium, without Imec, there'd be no microelectronics in Europe," he proclaimed.
Imec, a renowned research center for nano- and microelectronics located in Leuven, Belgium, was the focal point of this acknowledgment. Kretschmer underscored the need for international collaboration in the field, claiming that no country could single-handedly manage the complex microchip production process.
Hilde Crevits, Deputee Prime Minister of the Flemish Region, echoed this sentiment. She reiterated that as microelectronics grew in importance on the geopolitical stage, it was crucial for Europe to maintain its competitive edge against other major power blocs.
As the afternoon unfolded, the Belgian royal couple's itinerary shifted focus to the city's cultural landmarks, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery and Frauenkirche. Accompanied by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the couple embarked on a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Christmas market nestled at Frauenkirche.
Behind the scenes, both the Belgian Foreign Ministry and the Federal President's Office played integral roles in orchestrating the successful state visit. A flurry of activities, discussions, and collaborations punctuated the couple's stay in the historic heart of Germany.
Enrichment Data Integration:
Microelectronics is a prime example of cooperation's indispensable role in today's technologically-driven world. Comprising institutions like Imec, Belgium has held a significant position in Europe's microelectronics industry for over 40 years. Through their extensive research, Imec has spearheaded advances in semiconductors, including medical device platforms, photonics, and AI integration.
Collaboration between international partners, such as CEA-Leti, Fraunhofer, and other EU institutions, facilitates the swift transfer of research results into commercial applications. This collaborative effort benefits the entire industry, by creating a more robust ecosystem with various specializations and shared resources.
The European Chips Act, a key EU initiative, bolsters the semiconductor sector by promoting harmonious value chains across Europe. Imec has been instrumental in supporting this program, working alongside other partners to strengthen Europe's competitive edge in the global semiconductor landscape.
Both the European Commission and various national governments fund Imec's groundbreaking research activities heavily. These investments are vital for furthering technological advancements, stimulating production, and ensuring Europe's relevance in the global semiconductor landscape.
By positioning Europe as a strategic partner in the global value chain, Belgium and Imec are spearheading initiatives focused on supercomputers, artificial intelligence (AI), and AI hardware and software integration. This multifaceted approach aims to render Europe a formidable player in the intensely competitive semiconductor market.
