With the publication of the European Commission’s Union of Skills, it’s clear that supporting STEM education in Europe is continues to command high political priority. The STEM Education Strategic Plan will drive further progress to support a skilled future workforce that is ready for the technological advances and challenges experienced in high-tech sectors such as the semiconductor industry.

The semiconductor industry is projected to face a talent shortage of about 75,390 positions by 2030, with the shortage mainly seen in job profiles such as hardware engineers and technicians. In the EU, the semiconductor continues to grow, driven by the increasing demand for cutting-edge technology which relies on semiconductors. However, while the overall number of STEM graduates in the EU is growing, graduates in semiconductor related fields are not. Only approximately 28% of STEM students specialize in relevant domains (ICT and electrical/electronic engineering studies) needed for these critical job profiles and far fewer enter the industry after graduation[1].

The talent gap in high tech industries represent more than a challenge for businesses – it’s a warning sign for things to come. These fields are the backbone of innovation in sectors ranging from AI and renewable energy to advanced manufacturing and semiconductors. Yet across member states, enrolment in engineering disciplines is stagnating, technical training is underprioritized, and alignment with future-facing industry needs is inconsistent. Without a strong educational basis in engineering and technical skills, can the EU meet growing defence demands? Can we keep up with global developments in cutting edge technology like Generative AI? Will we have enough cybersecurity experts to ensure data protection and protect European infrastructure?

In recent years, much of the focus on promoting STEM has tried to bridge the gap by encouraging historically underrepresented populations to pursue STEM careers. Decades of initiatives and campaigns to encourage young people and women in particular, to pursue degrees in STEM fields have helped elevate the issue but what is the impact? This event seeks to identify measurable best practices, discuss the effect these activities have had on the population of STEM students, and understand the lessons learned across different variations and national contexts. Further, has the increase of women in STEM had an equal impact on women working in high-tech fields like semiconductors?  If not, do we need to reconsider how we promote STEM to girls?

[1] Less than 18,000 graduates in relevant fields entered the semiconductor industry in 2022. Source: ECSA Skills Strategy 2024, DECISION etudes & conseil

Session 1

14:00 – 14:30 Registration

14:30 – 14:50 Talent Gap Impact on the EU Semiconductor Industry | Laith Altimime, SEMI Europe

14:50 – 15:10 Current Trends in STEM and Girl’s Education | Andreas Schleicher, OECD

15:10 – 15:30 European Level Action on STEM | Beatrice Boots, EU STEM Coalition

15:30 – 15:45 Coffee Break

Session 2

15:45 – 17:00 This session will feature a panel debate to:

• Assess the current landscape of STEM promotion in the EU: How successful have these initiatives been? What are the clear examples of impactful activities? Are we continuing to fund campaigns that do not have a measurable effect?
• Understand the drivers of women in high-tech fields: Do STEM campaigns communicate the right messages to attract women to the field? What are the key motivators including drivers like salary, impact on society, flexibility, work-life balance? Have universities/companies done enough to make women and underrepresented groups feel welcome in the classroom and the workplace?

Panelists:

• • Andreas Schleicher | Director for Education and Skills, OECD
  • Ann Caluwaerts | Chairwoman, Flemish STEM Platform
  • Milva Carbonaro | Coordinator, SPACE4GEO 
  • Nessa Maguire | Founder, EudaOrg

Moderated by:

• Victoria Cummings | Coordinator, European Chips Skills Alliance; ECSA / ECDA

17:00 – 18:00 Networking Reception

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives. We draw on more than 60 years of experience and insights to shape policies that foster prosperity and opportunity, underpinned by equality and well-being.

The EU STEM Coalition is an EU-wide network that works to build better STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in Europe. Our goal is to shape STEM education policies and practices that foster economic growth, opportunity and well-being for all. Together with policy makers, education providers and industry, we work on promoting new ways of delivering education and finding and sharing evidence-based solutions to skills mismatch in STEM. From reducing shortages of STEM skilled people to fostering new ways in which educational institutions, companies and governments can cooperate, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, best-practice sharing and direct support.

The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) is an innovative and robust partnership between academia and industry in the semiconductor sector to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion and to lower barriers to participation for under-represented groups. ECDA aims to position Europe as a global leader in inclusive semiconductor growth, ensuring that DEI remains a pillar of its workforce policies.

The European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA) is an innovative alliance of 18 partners across Europe, working together to bridge the skills gap in the semiconductor sector. Through the development of decentralized education programs and fostering collaboration between industry and academia, ECSA aims to cultivate the next generation of semiconductor professionals essential for Europe’s technological leadership.The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) is an innovative and robust partnership between academia and industry in the semiconductor sector to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion and to lower barriers to participation for under-represented groups. ECDA aims to position Europe as a global leader in inclusive semiconductor growth, ensuring that DEI remains a pillar of its workforce policies.