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Latvian Ambassador: Cooperation with TU Dresden for microchip research!
The Latvian ambassador visited the TU Dresden to discuss cooperation in research and further education in microelectronics.
Latvian Ambassador: Cooperation with TU Dresden for microchip research!
On May 20, 2025, the Latvian Ambassador H.E. Alda Vanaga visited the Technical University of Dresden (TUD). Accompanied by a delegation from science and business, she discussed a variety of topics with TUD Rector Prof. Ursula Staudinger. The focus was on cooperation in the areas of study, research and international exchange between the TUD and the Riga University of Technology (TU Riga).
The discussions also included the National Microchip Initiative of Latvia, which is being driven forward in close cooperation with TU Riga. The aim of the meetings was to intensify networking and discuss future collaborations in the field of microchips. Particular attention was paid to the development of a formal agreement that defines the focus on “teaching and studying”, “research” (especially with regard to EU funding) and “innovation and technology transfer”. A central point was strengthening economic relationships and student exchange. According to [tu-dresden.de], this visit was seen as the cornerstone for successful academic cooperation between Dresden and Latvia.
Challenges in the semiconductor industry
The semiconductor industry is facing enormous challenges, particularly with regard to the shortage of skilled workers. According to [gtai.de], EU countries must significantly advance the training of specialists in order to keep up with continuous innovation and short product cycles.
The projected demand gap of 75,000 employees by 2030 highlights the urgency of attracting new talent to the industry. The opening of new chip factories will require up to 15,000 additional skilled workers. In addition, bureaucratic obstacles must be reduced in order to attract international talent. In this context, Mario Draghi called for simplified visa procedures and new scholarship opportunities in a report on Europe's competitiveness.
Skills training initiatives
In response to these challenges, Germany founded the Microtec Academy. This national educational initiative is funded with 12 million euros by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The aim is to train qualified semiconductor specialists in order to strengthen Germany's microelectronics position. According to [elektormagazine.de], the Microtec Academy is intended to offer innovative training programs and is coordinated by the Berlin Ferdinand Braun Institute (FBH).
The Academy's educational offerings are aimed at vocational training, university studies and retraining for career changers. A virtual technology lab will also be set up to offer online, hybrid and practical courses. This initiative is also in line with the EU's goals to increase Europe's share of semiconductor production from 10% to 20% by 2030. Cooperations with regional partners, such as the Steinburger Vocational Training Center and the Institute for Microtechnology at the TU Braunschweig, already exist.
The cross-sector actions and initiatives, both at European and national levels, demonstrate the commitment to strengthening the semiconductor industry in Europe and the importance of training for the future in this dynamic field.