The European Chips Diversity Alliance  convened the second meeting of its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Working Group on 26 March 2026, bringing together stakeholders from across industry, academia, and training organisations to strengthen inclusive workforce development across Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Building on the inaugural session held in December, the meeting continued to position the Working Group as a collaborative forum for sharing insights, aligning initiatives, and embedding DEI into Europe’s long-term semiconductor strategy.

From strategy to practice

A key theme of the discussion was the gap between DEI strategies and everyday workplace realities. Insights from ECDA’s first DEI report highlighted persistent challenges, including weak talent pipelines and limited visibility of semiconductor careers among diverse talent groups.

Participants also explored priorities for the upcoming second DEI report, which will focus on identifying what works in practice to attract and retain diverse talent, as well as addressing bias across hiring and career progression processes.

Introducing the ECDA DEI Talent Suite

The meeting featured a preview of the ECDA DEI Talent Suite from ESCP Europe‘s Stephan Schmuck – a practical toolbox designed to support organisations in translating DEI ambition into action.

The suite includes flexible training modules, operational tools, and engagement programmes aimed at addressing real-world challenges such as talent attraction, retention, and inclusive leadership.

Designed to be accessible and adaptable, the training focuses on everyday actions, leadership behaviour, and collaboration between industry and education – helping organisations embed DEI into their daily operations.

Case study: driving change through partnership

A highlight of the session was a case study presented by ManpowerGroup, showcasing a five-year partnership with a global renewable energy client.

The initiative demonstrated how sustained, data-driven action can deliver measurable impact — increasing female leadership representation from 8% to 37% through targeted sourcing, inclusive hiring practices, and structural changes.

The case study reinforced that meaningful DEI progress requires long-term commitment, leadership engagement, and strong collaboration between stakeholders.

Looking ahead

The Working Group also reviewed progress on the upcoming ECDA DEI Report 2, which will focus on retaining technical talent – a critical challenge for the semiconductor sector.

With a combination of research, training, and collaborative exchange, the DEI Working Group continues to play a key role in shaping a more inclusive and future-ready semiconductor workforce in Europe.

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At the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA), we are committed to strengthening Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem by advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the sector. As Europe works to secure its technological sovereignty and global competitiveness, it is becoming increasingly clear that addressing the talent gap is not only a workforce challenge but a strategic imperative.

Europe’s semiconductor ambitions depend on unlocking its full talent potential. New ECDA research shows that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not just a moral extra – it is central to staying competitive.

Europe’s semiconductor sector stands at a critical junction. According to a recent study from the European Chips Skills Academy, the continent faces a 75,000-talent gap by 2030 – a target required if the goals set out in the European Chips Act are to be met. The Act aims to boost Europe’s manufacturing capacity and sovereignty, yet the sector risks faltering if it overlooks its most essential resource: people.

That’s where the European Chips Diversity Alliance comes in. ECDA is a collective of 11 partners from across Europe with one goal in mind: to make the semiconductor sector as inclusive as possible.

ECDA’s latest DEI Report, published in September 2025, found that while nearly half of organisations in the sector rate their innovation performance above expectations, only one in five say the same about their talent pipeline. In other words: the ideas are flowing, but the people pipeline is drying up. That should be alarming for anyone serious about Europe’s technological future.

The research also makes one thing clear: inclusion and efficiency are not opposites. Evidence shows that diverse teams make better, faster decisions. The challenge is that inclusion too often remains in slogans – not embedded in how people are hired, managed, or promoted.

Turning talk of DEI into practical change remains an ongoing challenge across Europe. ECDA addresses this through initiatives such as piloting training programmes on inclusive leadership, developing practical tools for companies, and creating a European ‘MentorChip’ exchange. Because no one ends up somewhere entirely by accident – they’ve had a nudge, a mentor, or a quiet word of encouragement.

In our focus groups, young professionals didn’t talk much about belonging to a group, but rather about fairness, clarity, and respect. They want open hiring processes, managers who notice when language gets in the way, and leaders who see inclusion as a skill and not a sentiment.

There is also a visibility problem. Semiconductors are essential to modern life, yet few people outside the industry can name a single European chip company. That makes it harder to attract diverse talent. If we want underrepresented groups to consider this field, we have to make it visible, relatable, and worth belonging to.

Europe’s struggle with inclusion is as much about culture as structure. Too often, efficiency becomes a code word for avoiding change. But inclusion is what helps organisations learn, adapt, and avoid the blind spots that come from everyone thinking alike.

In practical terms, that means embedding inclusion into how success is measured and rewarded. Any company that leaves DEI to volunteers is effectively betting its future on whoever has time after work. Governments that invest billions in technology but not in people are missing the point entirely.

The pace of change remains slow compared to the urgency of Europe’s talent needs. You can legislate for fabs, but not for belonging. Until inclusion is seen as a professional capability rather than a moral stance, we will continue to fall short.

The chips we produce will shape everything from washing machines to national security. They will define Europe’s technological independence for decades. But independence without inclusion is simply weakness in disguise.

If Europe’s chip ambitions are to maintain momentum, we will need a workforce that feels part of the story. The vision has never been the issue and it is having the conviction to follow through.

ECDA’s full DEI Report is now available. Explore a snapshot of where Europe’s semiconductor sector stands today — and what it will take to build a more inclusive tomorrow.

This article was originally published in The European Correspondent and is republished here as part of ECDA’s commitment to advancing dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the semiconductor industry.

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The event brought together DEI professionals, storytellers, and changemakers for a powerful mix of interactive workshops, audience-driven discussions, and inspiring personal stories. The session explored the real-world impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Using tools like live polling and Mentimeter, participants were invited to reflect, challenge assumptions, and co-create actionable strategies to drive meaningful change.

We especially valued the opportunity to connect with other DEI leaders and exchange ideas on inclusive practices that can be scaled across industries.

Thank you to the organizers for hosting such a thoughtful and energising event. ECDA looks forward to continuing the conversation and applying these insights in our ongoing work to build a more inclusive semiconductor ecosystem.

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Addressing a vibrant and engaged audience of students, academics, and industry professionals, Victoria shared the vision behind ECDA and underscored the vital role that diversity, equity, and inclusion play in building a resilient, innovative, and future-ready semiconductor workforce. Her keynote emphasized how collaborative efforts between education, industry, and policymakers are essential to ensuring that talent from all backgrounds can thrive in Europe’s rapidly evolving microelectronics ecosystem.

A heartfelt thank you to the conference organizers and to all the brilliant minds who made the event such an inspiring gathering. We’re proud to see ECDA’s mission resonating across borders.

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The public-facing event titled “Future Proofing Access to Diverse Talent in the Semiconductor Industry“, hosted in collaboration with Learnovate Centre, EudaOrg, MIDAS Ireland, and SEMI Europe, featured keynote speeches, a panel discussion, and networking aimed at fostering cross-sector dialogue. Discussions centered on practical approaches to attracting and retaining underrepresented talent, the role of inclusive workplace culture, and how the industry can support equitable growth.

Attendees noted the value of meeting peers and professionals committed to creating a more welcoming semiconductor ecosystem – particularly at a time when Europe is scaling its capacity through the Chips Act.

The second day brought ECDA partners together for a strategic consortium meeting focused on project progress, knowledge exchange, and planning for the months ahead. Partners shared updates across work packages and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration, align efforts, and maximize impact across the Alliance’s activities.

The Dublin event marked the beginning of a packed year for ECDA, with additional stakeholder events scheduled throughout 2025. More information will be shared via ECDA’s website, LinkedIn, Instagram and newsletter.

This event has now ended. The information below is provided for archival purposes. For a recap of the event, please visit this page.

The European Chips Diversity Alliance is excited to invite industry leaders, researchers, and professionals to a full-day event, organized by our partners Learnovate, MIDAS Ireland and EudaOrg, focused on DEI in the semiconductor industry on March 27th, 2025.

Hosted at Dublin City University, this gathering will feature engaging discussions, industry insights, and interactive workshops designed to advance workforce diversity and strengthen talent pipelines across Europe.

This event isn’t just about discussion—it’s about action. By participating, you will be part of the movement shaping the future of a more inclusive semiconductor industry.

📅 Date: March 27th, 2025
📍 Location: Dublin City University
🔗 Register now: Sign up here

Morning Sessions

• 10:00 – Registration
• 10:30 – Welcome & Introduction – John Blake, General Manager, MIDAS Ireland
• 10:35 – Introduction to Midas
• 10:45 – Introduction to SEMI Europe – Laith Altimime, President, SEMI Europe
• 11:00 – European Chips Diversity Alliance Overview – Reviliani Gani, Senior Manager of Diversity and Workforce Development, SEMI Europe
• 11:20 – Empowering Progress: DEI in Tech
  • Aileen Kelly O’ Sullivan, Staff Engineering Ops and Culture Ambassador, Qualcomm
  • Caroline Sasia, Executive VP Comms and Marketing, Soitec
  • Rachel O’ Neill, Associate Manager for DEI, Regeneron
  • Louis Cheng, Rewards, Analytics & Talent Solutions Partner at Merck Group
• 12:00 – Expert Panel Discussion
• 12:40 – Lunch Break

Afternoon Sessions

• 1:40 – Industry Research Insights – Nessa Maguire, Founder, EudaOrg
• 2:05 – Upskilling for Inclusion: Introducing DEI Talent Suite – Janka Kottulová, Researcher and Project Manager, Comenius University Bratislava and Stephan Schmuck, Senior Lecturer Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, ESCP Europe
• 2:30 – Chip In! From Research to Reality – Richard Harte, UX Specialist and Janet Benson, Learning Lead & Senior Researcher, Learnovate
• 3:00 – Spotlight on Irish Initiatives
  • DCU STEM Teacher Internship Programme – Eilish McLoughlin, Associate Professor, Dublin City University
  • Jeanne McDonagh, CEO, Open Doors Initiative
  • WEI Transition Year Programme Initiative – Margaret Spillane, onsemi
  • WE Step Up – Krystyna Dimtchev, Council and Executive Board Member, Engineers Ireland
  • TrailblazeHER – Claire MacNamee, Head of Enterprise Engagement, VP Partnerships and Engagement, TU Dublin
• 3:50 – Closing Remarks – Isabella Drolz, Vice President of Marketing & Product Strategy, Comet AG’s X-Ray Systems Division
• 4:00 – Reception & Networking

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A significant panel discussion at ISS Europe, moderated by Maria Daniela Perez, Communications Manager at SEMI Europe, brought together esteemed experts:​

• Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at OECD​
• Meike Boekelmann, Chief Human Resources Officer at Comet​
• Thomas Kralinski, Saxon State Secretary of Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy, and Climate​
• Catherine Le Lan de Franssu, European University Program Manager at Synopsys Inc​

The panel delved into strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent in the semiconductor industry. The consensus was clear: Europe’s competitiveness in semiconductors hinges on its people. Diversity is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic necessity, bringing fresh perspectives and innovation to the industry. More information and quotes from the panel can be found in this blog.

The momentum doesn’t stop here. The discussions at ISS Europe reaffirm that collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers is key to shaping a resilient and diverse workforce. ECDA will continue driving this mission forward, ensuring that talent from all backgrounds has opportunities to thrive in microelectronics.

A huge thank you to everyone who engaged with us. Let’s keep working together to make an impact!

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As we continue our mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the semiconductor industry, we’re expanding our digital presence to bring you inspiring stories, industry insights, and community highlights in a more dynamic and visual way.

📲 Follow us on Instagram (@diversityinchips) for:

• Stories of professionals shaping the future of semiconductors
• Updates on ECDA events, initiatives, and collaborations
• Insights on diversity, workforce trends, and industry best practices
• Behind-the-scenes moments from our community

Join us in celebrating and supporting a more inclusive and innovative semiconductor industry. Follow us, engage with our content, and be part of the conversation.

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Victoria Cummings from SEMI Europe will present on “Addressing the Talent Gap through Education and Inclusion.” As a driving force behind the European Chips Skills Academy, Victoria has been instrumental in taking this initiative from strength to strength, ensuring Europe is equipped in the coming years with the talent needed to solve the workforce riddle. She will also speak about ECDA and the role our project is playing to promote a workforce that is inclusive of the world that we live in.

Maria Daniela Perez will lead a panel discussion on “Empowering Europe’s Workforce: Addressing Talent Gaps for Sustainable Growth.” Joining her on the panel are some of the brightest minds shaping the future of Europe’s workforce:

🔹Andreas SCHLEICHER, Director for Education and Skills, OECD – OCDE
🔹Meike Boekelmann, Chief Human Resources Officer, Comet
🔹Thomas Kralinski, Saxon State Secretary of Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy, and Climate
🔹Catherine Le Lan de Franssu, European University Program Manager, Synopsys Inc

This discussion will tackle the critical talent shortages in microelectronics and explore how Europe can attract, retain, and upskill talent for long-term, sustainable industry growth. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion must be at the heart of this transformation. A thriving workforce is an inclusive workforce, and the steps we take today will define Europe’s position in the global semiconductor race.

🔗 We’ll be there! Will you https://lnkd.in/eipzhcTe

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Why Attend?

With 77% of employers globally struggling to fill open roles and 57% of customers showing loyalty to socially responsible companies, building an inclusive and diverse workforce is more critical than ever. This event provides a unique opportunity to:

• Gain insights from industry and academic leaders
• Explore the latest research on workforce diversity
• Engage in interactive workshops that offer practical tools for inclusion
• Learn from real-world case studies of workforce development successes
• Network with professionals committed to driving DEI in microelectronics

More information on the event including the full agenda is available here.

Be Part of the Change

This event isn’t just about discussion—it’s about action. By participating, you will be part of the movement shaping the future of a more inclusive semiconductor industry.

📅 Date: March 27th, 2025
📍 Location: Dublin City University
🔗 Register now: Sign up here

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