- Chip industry: agreement to pool search for skilled workers
Search for specialized personnel for the planned chip factories in Dresden should not come at the expense of the SME sector in the region. Chambers of Commerce and Industry and companies have agreed in a declaration of intent to proceed jointly. Among other things, chip manufacturers are to strengthen their in-house training. Regular exchange and the cultivation of partnerships between chip companies, chambers of commerce, industry associations, SMEs, and start-ups are also planned. Economics Minister Martin Dulig (SPD) spoke of a fairness agreement.
Kretschmer: Dresden is the best place for microelectronics in Europe
According to the words of Minister President Michael Kretschmer, around 100,000 people will be working in the local semiconductor industry by the year 2030. This would be a great success. Building on what was created during GDR times, Saxony has invested a lot in this area since reunification. "Now we're at the point where we can say: The best place for microelectronics in all of Europe - that's Dresden." We need immigration from other countries for this. The development should not come at the expense of the SME sector and the crafts industry.
According to Kretschmer, the many small and medium-sized enterprises, excellent research institutions, and universities in the Saxon microelectronics ecosystem all contribute to the positive economic development in the Free State. Large companies are the engine for the regional economy. The agreement to compete fairly for specialized personnel and cooperate more closely is a strong signal.
Dulig: Saxony must be open to foreign specialists
Dulig is convinced that the investments will also benefit small and medium-sized enterprises. The future demand for specialized personnel cannot be met with people from within the country. "Saxony has often benefited from immigration in the past, not least the chip industry. Only through a culture of openness, tolerance, and diversity can we further expand our strong ecosystem."
Dulig says that more than 30 billion euros will be invested in Saxony in the coming years. "Our task is to ensure that these large investments also pay off in the small things." The Free State will continue to stand by the semiconductor industry to enable additional investments in infrastructure - in housing, childcare, and other areas. We must be attractive to specialized personnel.
The crafts industry can also benefit from the chip industry
"The settlement of microelectronics companies is an opportunity for the economic location of Dresden, from which the crafts industry can also benefit. However, this will further intensify the competition for specialized personnel," emphasized Jörg Dittrich, President of the Chamber of Crafts Dresden. "Therefore, politics and the economy must pull together to ensure an adequate reservoir of specialized personnel."
To adapt the training content to the increasing expectations of the economy, the profession of microtechnologist is currently being redesigned, added Lukas Rohleder, CEO of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Dresden.
The Taiwanese company TSMC announced in summer 2023 that it would build a semiconductor factory in Dresden with partners by 2027. The company expects the investment sum to exceed ten billion euros. Half of this is likely to be provided as a subsidy by the German state. Infineon is also expanding its capacities in Dresden.
The European Union could potentially offer funding or support for the semiconductor industry development in Dresden, given its commitment to technological advancement and investment in European infrastructure.
As the semiconductor industry in Dresden grows, it's crucial for the European Union to consider how this developments may impact its SME sector and ensure a fair approach to resource allocation.
