With the microelectronics strategy adopted in mid-October, the German federal government aims to initiate Germany’s comeback in the semiconductor world. The goal is ambitious: after years of dependence on Asia and the USA, more homegrown technologies should once again be developed and manufactured domestically. The new strategy is part of Germany’s Hightech Agenda, which the government presented in the summer – a political commitment to retain technological key competencies within the country. “Microelectronics is the foundation of all digital value creation,” says the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs. Research, design, and production are to be more closely linked in the future to lift Germany out of the spectator role.
The strategy rests on three pillars: strengthening research, securing skilled workers, and expanding manufacturing. Targeted investments are planned, particularly in chip design, sensors, and power semiconductor production. The government also intends to accelerate the transfer of research results into industrial applications and to build new manufacturing capacities in Germany. Cooperation with European partners – for example within the framework of the European Chips Act – is also to be intensified. This is Berlin’s response to a global subsidy race: the USA and Asia are already investing billions, while Germany has so far contributed only about three percent to worldwide chip production.
Less than six weeks before the strategy was published, the VDE had released its position paper “Hidden Electronics IV”. In it, the association warned of growing dependencies in microelectronics and called for a national overall strategy that closely links research, industry, and politics. Although the paper was not a government draft, it increased political pressure to finally take action. Both concepts – the VDE paper and the new strategy – share one goal: technological sovereignty. Both also emphasize that Europe can no longer leave microelectronics to others.
Whether this revival succeeds now depends on implementation. Many measures remain vague, timelines are missing, and bureaucratic hurdles are high. Success will depend on whether the government translates its plans into concrete projects and more closely links research and industry. Microelectronics is now more than just an economic sector; it is strategic infrastructure. Or, as Ansgar Hinz, CEO of VDE, puts it: “The strategy is a step in the right direction. However, operational implementation cannot be a walk in the park; it must be a challenging sprint to get Germany quickly back on track.”
To the strategy (in German):
