GSA increases commitment to European talent
More than 80 delegates attended to hear the perspectives of moderator Tim Hamer, director of knowledge management, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and panelists Dr. Derek Boyd, chief executive officer, NMI; Gary Duncan, vice president of engineering, Dialog Semiconductor; Thomas Riener, senior vice president and general manager, Full Service Foundry Business Unit, austriamicrosystems; Dr. Willy Sansen, professor emeritus, K.U. Leuven; and Josef Sauerer, head of department – analog IC development, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS.
Analogue and mixed-signal content is increasing, with the wireless market, specifically smartphones, growing at an exponential rate. While this creates great opportunity for IC suppliers, opportunity comes with challenge. IC design is becoming increasingly complex as we move to the leading edge. For Europe to remain a competitive player in A/MS, its universities must produce students that can develop new solutions that tackle the most advanced design challenges.
The panel found that the burden should be shared by many, including government, semiconductor companies, universities, industry associations and research institutions. The panelists stressed the importance of the European Commission voicing that semiconductors are indeed a key enabling technology; chip companies partnering with universities and employing graduates to validate there is a career in A/MS; and educating students at a very young age what is possible with math, physics and engineering.
“In June 2009, GSA’s Europe RF/Analog/Mixed-Signal Working Group recognised the importance of establishing Europe as a centre of excellence for A/MS and fostering job creation and innovation,” stated Sandro Grigolli, GSA’s EMEA Executive Director. “It is events like the May 12 panel discussion that showcase Europe as an innovative hub which needs the support of its universities, government, industry organisations and semiconductor community to remain competitive. GSA will continue to be part of this support system.”
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