Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1513227
64 PCB007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2023 secure that. at's what we call the "silicon to system" perspective. IPC has been engaged for the past two years in advanced packag- ing, which has to do with miniaturization of capacities. But we have to take into consid- eration the whole supply chain, the whole ecosystem. ey speak about producing silicon in Europe, but what about the packaging and assembly? If you produce silicon here, ship it all to Taiwan to get the package, and then ship it back, what is the point? at fact is obvious for the super specialists of this industry, but not so much for the man on the street or for some policymakers.ey can't always know what it takes to manufacture a PCBA or electronic circuits. We need to inform them and bring them the detail while working in the context of the boundaries of EU policy and the region's evolving approach to industrial strategy. at's the role we are taking on: striving to bring all the verticals in this industry together to speak with one voice. So, are they now more receptive to listening and making change? Leonard: I believe we reached an inflec- tion point in April 2023 when we had a very important and interesting meeting at the EU in Brussels, close to the European Parliament. IPC organized a meeting between PCB man- ufacturers and EMS companies and the Euro- pean Commission and European members of the European Parliament. is is exactly the point we made, and it was a turning point. Fol- lowing this meeting, policymakers went back to the industry to learn more and understand better, which was very positive. We consider this a success. You mentioned IPC in Europe and the challenging role you have regarding the patchwork of Europe. How do you see IPC working alongside the associations that are more local to each individual country? Leonard: We are working with them contin- uously and being totally inclusive. Several years ago, many local organizations saw IPC as a competitive organization and that was a challenge. We knew it was part of our job to address that, talk to them, and convince them that we are not their competitor. First, they are local organizations. IPC is interna- tional, a Pan-European organization. We serve the same verticals, the same customers. We have exactly the same objectives: to make this industry successful. We are in total alignment on that. It's difficult for local associations because they are membership driven. IPC is a member- ship organization as well, but we don't compete for their members. It's not our bread and but- ter. Membership is important for IPC because it signals to the policymakers that we are credi- ble as a stakeholder. But we don't compete; we don't want to steal a local organization's mem- bership. Our point is engagement, and that's all free. We want to support them and work with them. Cooperation means that we are open to every effort that improves business conditions for the industry. We certainly appreciate your time today. Thank you, Philippe and Francisco. PCB007 Philippe Leonard