The European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESRA) has adopted a joint position paper on the proposed European Chips Act 2.0. Endorsed by 29 European regions, including South Moravia, Plzeň and Zlín, the document calls for stronger regional cooperation, better access to semiconductor infrastructure, greater support for SMEs and long-term investment in skills and innovation. Several of its priorities are directly relevant to the work of Europe’s Chips Competence Centres, including the Czech Semiconductor Centre (CSC).
The European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESRA) has agreed on a common position regarding the European Commission’s proposal for the Chips Act 2.0, published in June 2026. The policy paper emphasises that strengthening Europe’s semiconductor competitiveness requires more than investment in large-scale manufacturing facilities. It also depends on connecting regional expertise, supporting innovative companies and making existing European research and technology infrastructure more accessible.
The endorsement of the position paper by three Czech regions – South Moravia, Plzeň and Zlín – reflects the Czech Republic’s involvement in shaping European semiconductor policy and highlights the importance of regional ecosystems within the wider European value chain.
Better access to European pilot lines and design infrastructure
One of the most relevant recommendations for Chips Competence Centres concerns access to European technological infrastructure.
ESRA explicitly calls on European institutions to support and finance cross-regional access for SMEs to semiconductor technology infrastructure and pilot lines. The alliance also stresses the importance of maximising the use of existing publicly funded facilities, including European chip pilot lines and the EU Design Platform, to accelerate the commercialisation of semiconductor innovations.
These priorities closely align with the mission of the European Network of Chips Competence Centres. National centres such as CSC help companies, particularly start-ups and SMEs, identify suitable technologies, access European expertise and navigate opportunities offered by pilot lines and the European Chips Design Platform.
The European Commission’s Chips Act 2.0 proposal also envisages continued support for the competence centre network, reinforcing its role in connecting local industry with European semiconductor capabilities.
Supporting the entire semiconductor value chain
ESRA advocates a broad approach to semiconductor competitiveness, recognising the importance of different technologies and industrial specialisations across European regions.
The position paper calls for support not only for leading-edge manufacturing, but also for mature and larger-node technologies, advanced packaging and power electronics. It further highlights the need to strengthen Europe’s fabless semiconductor sector, particularly in system design, analogue design and AI-enabled semiconductor solutions.
These priorities are especially relevant to the Czech semiconductor ecosystem, whose strengths include chip and processor design, power electronics, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, electron microscopy and advanced metrology.
ESRA also highlights energy-efficient semiconductors, photonics and the development of innovative solutions that can contribute to Europe’s technological resilience. At the same time, it stresses the need to maintain cooperation with trusted international partners within global semiconductor supply chains.
Recognising Europe’s semiconductor regions of excellence
The alliance welcomes the proposed European Semiconductor Region of Excellence label, designed to recognise regions with strong semiconductor ecosystems and credible investment strategies.
However, ESRA argues that the label should deliver tangible benefits rather than merely recognition. These should include improved access to relevant EU funding and initiatives, technical assistance and a stronger role in European coordination.
The alliance also supports flexible regional investment plans, cooperation between regions with complementary expertise and financing that combines regional, national and European resources.
For Czech regions, this approach could create opportunities to strengthen international partnerships, attract investment and build on existing industrial and research capabilities.
Long-term funding and semiconductor skills
Another major recommendation concerns the availability of predictable funding under the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034.
ESRA calls for dedicated semiconductor support through instruments including the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe. Particular attention should be given to helping companies bridge the gap between research, pilot-line validation and industrial production.
The position paper also emphasises the need for sustained investment in semiconductor skills. ESRA supports interregional training pathways, stronger cooperation between education and industry, and the development of expertise in system design, analogue design and artificial intelligence.
This direction is particularly relevant to CSC’s educational activities, including its developing portfolio of micro-credentials delivered by experts from leading Czech technical universities.
What does this mean for the Czech Semiconductor Centre?
As the Czech Republic’s national Chips Competence Centre, CSC connects companies, researchers and innovators with expertise, infrastructure and opportunities across Europe. Its services include guidance on European pilot lines and the Chips Design Platform, technical consulting, innovation and funding support, and specialised training.
The ESRA recommendations reinforce the importance of these activities and underline the need for closer cooperation between regional semiconductor ecosystems and the European competence centre network.
The adoption of the position paper is an important step in the ongoing debate on Chips Act 2.0. While its recommendations are not yet binding measures, they provide a common regional voice advocating a more connected, accessible and competitive European semiconductor industry – one in which the Czech Republic and its semiconductor ecosystem have an important role to play.
