IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1509763
IPC COMMUNITY 58 FALL 2023 (88%) and EMS (61%) capabilities. The report notes that a silicon-to-systems approach is needed to complement the Chips Act as Europe is highly dependent on electronics produced offshore for end-systems critical to its security, vitality, and strategic goals. This dependency poses a serious risk to Europe's strategic autonomy. To address this, the report lays out a set of initial recommendations to address the indus- try's challenges and enable needed growth. Highlights include support for CapEx and fac- tory modernization, and addresses workforce, R&D, and process innovation as well as tariff issues that discourage European PCB fabrica- tion. Government recognition of the strate- gic importance of these industry segments is foundational. The report also recommends next steps for additional work, reflecting the reality that sustainable re-industrialization requires sup- port and sustainable demand. They include the following: 1. Set targets for the European share of global EMS and PCB production. 2. Establish trusted supply chains for critical systems. 3. Further data collection on end-market needs. 4. Initiate an industry roadmap that aligns EMS and PCB capabilities/capacities. 5. Establish a standing mechanism for indus- try/government dialogue on electronics manufacturing. Next Steps An important flag has been raised. The work among stakeholders and with the European Commission represents significant progress in having our industry's views heard. We have much work to do, but we now have a stake- holder community engaged in this process. We are doing what any interest group must: arm ourselves with data and then leverage that data to make strong policy arguments for interventions by government. Government is listening and engaging. Now is the time for industry to make its voice heard and take the next steps. Get involved by reaching out to Alison James.