Reflections from the Nordic Chip Summit 2025
Why do we need to still come together physically? Why to arrange a summit?
After the Nordic Chip Summit 2025, held on 10th of November, I do not wonder this anymore. And that of course adds to my understanding, that innovations start from interaction. And often from serendipity.
With the summit programme, our key thought was to create a very forward-looking event and to create joint clarity for the European path to success by using chips: we are creating the future, it is not just coming.
From a long perspective, what made the timing of the event exceptionally interesting, is the race on chips. In my career, I have never experienced this kind of competition. For decades we have been talking about the importance of chips, ICs, sensors, smart systems, IoT, space applications, and quantum technologies.
Now, finally, this is recognised in all levels of the society. Earlier, it was a common belief that these technologies “just come from somewhere”, and without interruptions. Now, they are seen as key technologies for a society. Without them innovations as well as the wealth of the society can’t be created!
“We must understand that no one can succeed alone; interdependency is a tight web.”
Circling back to the Summit; perhaps due to the inevitable race on chips, the presentations and discussions at the event went exceptionally fast and straight to the point. Even though we know our strengths in Finland and Europe, there simultaneously exists a true race that is going on at full speed. Compared to this race, Formula 1 feels easy and very limited. We must understand that no one can succeed alone; interdependency is a tight web.
These signals did jump up from the discussions:
- We have an elephant in the room! We can be content and lay back on our strengths, but this will shut our eyes from the elephant.
- What is the elephant? It is the fact, that with current choices we are not likely to reach 20 % self-sufficiency in chips in Europe.
- Some statistics can miss lead: e.g. European role in electronic components is currently globally strong and in the future predictions. However, if we separate ICs from this, the situation is totally different.
- Value is moving from electronics components to ICs.
- Quantum computing is strongly emerging, and Europe is very strong in it. So, let’s keep it that way!
- Demand creation: To have advanced node manufacturing in Europe, we must have also the demand for it. How to get the demand? Through AI and data centres.And at the bottom line, in Europe we must think big! We must take more risks and be bolder in our choices.
To summarise, we are creating the future and being bolder is crucial for our actions:
- Success: Europe needs semiconductors and quantum. And we can be competitive in all aspects if we are decisive and dare to take risks. We must make choices.
- Choices: The Fabless approach is crucial and seen as a high value adding part.
- Demand creation: Advanced nodes do not come to Europe if there is no demand. -> AI and data centres are drivers for the demand.
- Talent: We are missing future young talent. We all must raise awareness of the semiconductor industry among the young talent and make sure that the field is seen as exciting and offering secure jobs!
Summit Chair Jussi Tuovinen
CEO of Kvanttinova Ltd
Jussi Tuovinen
CEO
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