In today’s life and economy, microelectronics is ubiquitous, empowering the equipment for virtually all daily activities: aviation, automotive, health care, communication and even leisure would not be possible without a microelectronics component (commonly referred to as microchip or chip).EU’s microelectronics ecosystem is undermined by a shortage of professionals, skills mismatches and distance between the worlds of education and work. Recent geopolitical upheavals and chips shortages highlight the importance of technological resilience in microelectronics. When it comes to microelectronics, Europe can no longer afford to depend on other countries.Aware of those challenges, the EU Commission launched a series of initiatives, above all the launch of a Microelectronics Pact for Skills (2020) and the publication of the “EU Chips Act” (adoption foreseen) to revamp Europe’s microelectronics ecosystem. Yet, the Pact for Skills has yet to deliver on its expectations and innovative approaches towards education and training in microelectronics are required.ECS-Academy’s is an initiator of a large-scale and durable endeavour that will foster innovation and resilience of the microelectronics sector. It will bridge the gap between education, training and industry to tackle Europe’s skills and talent shortages. ESC-Academy will1) implement and operationalise the Pact for Skills2) establish the first-of-a-kind decentralised academy for microelectronics, linking industry, research, HE and VET currently operating in isolation3) develop innovative training and curriculum to provide reactive and proactive response to the skills needs of the sector.ECS-Academy is a robust Alliance, with 18 partners, 30+ organisations endorsing the project, and covering the whole of the EU Educational Area. The consortium represents the value chain of microelectronics and the full spectrum of education and training, and will reach 984,706 direct contacts in valorisation activities.

The objective of this project is to support the EC in defining topics and measures to strengthen the position of Europe in the global value chain of semiconductor and semiconductor-based photonics, by focussed cooperation initiatives with other leading semiconductor regions. The starting point will be the identification of European and non-EU industrial strengths and gaps in the field of semiconductors with the support of industrial organization, while emerging technologies will be explored through the participation of leading research centres. The project will profit of already existing international cooperation initiatives among regions, like ITRS2 and IRDS, to define possible cooperation areas and modes. ICOS will also benefit from a project leader who has matured extensive experience in the coordination of 6 EU projects in the field of semiconductors. As a result, the project will provide advice to the EC on joint actions to be implemented with leading semiconductor countries to reinforce the European position, supported by an in depth analysis of risks vs. expected benefits. The actions may include exchange of research results, joint research activities, researchers’ exchange programs and joint definition of standards. A proper dissemination of results will take place through joint events and participation to main conferences of the sector, both European and international.

REASONMicroelectronics are at the core of the digital era. Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Big Data depend on reliable microelectronics, confirming their pivotal role in modern society and industry.The EU microelectronics sector is challenged by global competitive pressures. EU industry reports and policy papers from the EU Commission confirm that to regain its global industrial leadership, the EU microelectronics sector needs to address skills shortages and mismatches.METIS addresses those needs bringing together key participants in the EU microelectronics ecosystem:- Industry Associations: largest and most representative EU microelectronics association (SEMI Europe) and one of the most vocal national associations (Silicon Saxony)- Companies: METIS brings together EU multinational corporations (Infineon, Bosch, XFab), SMEs and start-ups all representing excellence at global industrial level- World of Education & Training encompassing the whole cycle of i-VET, c-VET, Higher VET- Social partners representing regulatory body, youth & female participation in STEM, career guidance.RESULTS- Skills Strategy that identifies skills needs and (re)define occupational profiles for the sector- Jointly developed industry/VET METIS training in microelectronics design & manufacturing, green skills, soft skills- METIS curriculum EQF 4 to 7; Learning Outcome based; structured along 43 modules; 1,100 hours- OER functionalities, Open Access, Blended learning- Strong Work Based Learning component.IMPACTTwenty partners from 14 countries will build and maintain a durable Skills Alliance to enhance the competitiveness and global leadership of the EU microelectronics sector.Operational impact will reach at least 900 learners, 2,000 policy makers, 250 VET operators, 500 companies.Systemic impact will be achieved by institutionalising METIS into the EU Microelectronics Observatory & Skills Council as a permanent and sustainable platform for skills ad jo