The 2025 edition of the ECSA Skills Strategy provides an updated assessment of the talent gap in the European semiconductor industry. The report identifies a significant structural issue driven by an ageing workforce and insufficient graduate inflow.
Since last year, the talent gap in the European semiconductor industry has been affected by three factors:
1. The postponement or cancellation of four major investment projects in the EU
2. The semiconductor market downturn in Europe in 2024
3. An unfavourable market outlook for 2025 and beyond.
However, Europe is facing a deeper structural problem: an ageing workforce (including skilled workers and teachers) combined with a very low inflow of new talent. While 30% of the current workforce is expected to retire between 2023 and 2030, the number of graduates in semiconductor-related fields is growing by less than 1% per year. This structural imbalance is the main driver of the talent gap, undermining Europe’s competitiveness and threatening its economic security.
As a result, by 2030, the European semiconductor industry is expected to face an average annual shortfall of around 10,800 skilled workers across the value chain.
This year’s report includes:
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Revised forecasts on job demand and workforce supply based on recent market and investment developments in Europe
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Insights from 130 experts across industry, research, and education
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An analysis of the most critical job profiles and emerging skills needs, including those linked to AI, system design, and cybersecurity
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Policy and training recommendations designed to strengthen talent pipelines in both the short and long term
The report underscores the need for coordinated action across education, industry, and government to address the talent shortage and safeguard Europe’s semiconductor competitiveness.
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