Uncategorized Archives - European Chips Diversity Alliance

Inclusive Chips Forum Paris: Diverse Talent Driving Innovation

Marta Scandella — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:05:33 +0000

When: 19 November 2026

Where: École d’ingénieurs Denis-Diderot, Université Paris Cité, 8 Place Paul Ricoeur, 75013 Paris

On 19 November 2026, the Inclusive Chips Forum comes to Paris. One morning, one question: what would it take for more people to picture a future for themselves in semiconductors?

Whether you’re a student wondering if chips are for you, a teacher, or someone already working in the industry, there will be something for you. We’ll start with a look inside the fab, then hear how very different paths, through engineering school, industry and research, led to the same place. We’ll talk about what inclusive practices look like in a university and in a company, and a sociologist will help us see diversity in STEM through a different lens.

Take a look at the agenda:

9:00 – 9:30

Welcome Coffee & Registration

9:30 – 9:45

Welcome & Opening Perspectives on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Angela Vasanelli, Director, Engineering School of Denis Diderot

• Laëtitia Guisot, People & Culture Director, X-FAB

9:45 – 10:00

Inside the Fab: How Semiconductors Are Made

• Sébastien Daveau, Director of Photonics, X-FAB

10:00 – 10:15

European Chips Diversity Alliance: Project Overview and Progress Update

• Kartikey Srivastava, Manager EU Projects, SEMI Europe

10:15 – 11:10

Diverse Paths in Semiconductors: From Education to Career

speakers tbc

11:10 – 11:30

Inclusive Practices for a Lasting Impact

speakers tbc

11:30 – 11:50

Changing the Lens: Understanding Diversity in STEM

• Clémence Perronnet, Sociologist & Researcher

11:50 – 12:00

Conclusion

• Tatiana Tan, Communication & Engagement Specialist, X-FAB

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Policy Brief – The Next Talent Crisis: Retention Risk in the European Semiconductor Sector

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:15:21 +0000

What can Europe do to attract and retain chip workforce?

By 2030, roughly 114,000 people working in European microelectronics will retire, while the number of new graduates entering the field is growing by just 1% a year. Moreover, 1 in 4 of today’s technical workers already plan to leave their job within the next three years.

The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) has just published its latest report, Retaining Technical Talent in the European Semiconductor Sector: a study on why technical workers in Europe’s chip industry stay, or leave. It’s based on a survey of 220 technical workers across 15 European countries, alongside interviews with HR professionals and national sector bodies in four Member States.

Key findings include:

Why fairness, not pay, is the strongest predictor of who leaves
Why younger workers are leaving at double the rate of Gen X
What separates the organisations people stay with from the ones they leave
Nine practical recommendations for organisations and policymakers

Why this matters for policy

Europe’s semiconductor ambitions, from the European Chips Act to the newly proposed Chips Act 2.0, depend on a workforce that’s already stretched thin. The report finds that the sector’s retention problem isn’t primarily about pay: workers who see career progression as unfairly handled are 2.3 times more likely to be planning to leave, regardless of salary. Younger workers, in particular, are leaving at roughly double the rate of their older colleagues. Their conditions are worse, but rather they’re looking for faster technical growth than they’re currently offered.

The report sets out nine concrete recommendations, three of them aimed directly at policymakers and sector bodies, including extending pay transparency guidance to cover career progression frameworks, and treating EU-level skills programmes as retention infrastructure, not just recruitment.

Read the policy brief:

DEI REPORT 2026_ECDA_Policy Brief

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Inclusive Employer Branding training delivered at SEMICON Europa 2025

Anisa Billingslea — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:59:51 +0000

As part of SEMICON Europa 2025 in Munich, the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) delivered an in-person training session on “Inclusive Employer Branding Together”, bringing together professionals from across the microelectronics sector to explore how organisations can better attract and retain diverse talent.

Led by Stephan Schmuck from ESCP Business School, the session forms part of ECDA’s broader mission to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem by equipping organisations with practical tools and strategies.

From employer branding to lived experience

The interactive training focused on moving beyond traditional employer branding approaches towards more authentic, inclusive practices that reflect employees’ real experiences. Participants explored how organisations can align their Employer Value Proposition (EVP) with everyday workplace realities.

Through collaborative discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, attendees worked together to identify practical ways to strengthen inclusion across the employee journey.

Key insights from the session

Mind the implementation gap
The biggest risk to retention is not a lack of strategy, but the gap between organisational promises and everyday employee experience. When values are not reflected in practice, trust quickly erodes.

Middle managers shape inclusion
Managers play a critical role in translating organisational values into day-to-day behaviours. Small, consistent “micro-interventions” can have a powerful impact on psychological safety and team culture.

Understanding Gen Z talent
Participants explored how younger talent prioritises authenticity, purpose, and transparency. Inclusive employer branding must reflect genuine organisational practices rather than performative messaging.

Inclusion happens in everyday moments
Inclusion is not defined by strategy documents, but by everyday interactions — from onboarding experiences to feedback conversations and team check-ins.

A collaborative learning experience

The session brought together a diverse group of professionals from across the semiconductor ecosystem, whose insights and experiences enriched the discussion and highlighted the complexity of building inclusive workplaces.

Participants engaged actively throughout the day, sharing challenges, exchanging ideas, and committing to practical actions to strengthen inclusion within their organisations.

About the training

The “Inclusive Employer Branding Together” training is part of ECDA’s three-year initiative to support the semiconductor industry in attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent. Through practical tools, real-world case studies, and collaborative learning, the programme helps organisations build more inclusive and future-ready workplaces.

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ECDA at Talent Cruch Panel Discussion

Kartikey Srivastava — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:45:30 +0000

We were glad to attend the latest Talent Crunch event in Berlin, an engaging evening dedicated to the theme: The Power of Inclusion: Workshops and Stories on Inclusive Actions Shaping the Future of DEI.

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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ECDA at TIE 2025

Kartikey Srivastava — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:24:15 +0000

We’re delighted that Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager of EU Projects and Workforce Development at SEMI Europe, had the opportunity to deliver a keynote speech and present the European Chips Diversity Alliance at the Technologies of Interconnections in Electronics conference in Brașov, Romania.

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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ECDA’s participation at ISS Europe

Kartikey Srivastava — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:04:41 +0000

At the Industry Strategy Symposium (ISS) Europe 2025, held in March 2025, ECDA played a pivotal role in discussions centered on workforce development. Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager of Workforce Development & EU Projects at SEMI Europe, emphasized the importance of education and inclusion in securing Europe’s semiconductor future. She highlighted initiatives like ECDA and the European Chips Skills Academy as prime examples of industry-academia collaborations aimed at developing the necessary skills and fostering diverse talent pipelines for sustainable growth.

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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Join us on Instagram!

Kartikey Srivastava — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:20:11 +0000

We’re excited to announce that the European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) is now on Instagram.

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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ECDA at ISS Europe

Kartikey Srivastava — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:35:54 +0000

We are just one week away from SEMI Europe’s ISS Europe. Among the many crucial discussions happening at the event, “Shaping Europe’s Future Workforce” stands out as a must-attend. This is because building a strong, diverse, and future-ready workforce is key to Europe’s semiconductor ambitions.

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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Event: Future Proofing Access to Diverse Talent in the Semiconductor Industry

Kartikey Srivastava — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:25:21 +0000

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.

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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Link & Learn Webinar – Inclusive Education by Design: Preparing for the European Accessibility Act

Kartikey Srivastava — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:42:33 +0000

We are pleased to share an exciting event hosted by our partners at Learnovate, focusing on inclusive education and accessibility in light of the upcoming European Accessibility Act. This event is an essential opportunity for educators, policymakers, and industry professionals to understand the key aspects of the Act and its impact on education systems across Europe.

Event Details:

Title: Inclusive Education by Design: Preparing for the European Accessibility Act
Date: 13 February 2025
Time: 13:00 GMT
Location: Virtual Event – Register online

During this informative session, experts will delve into how education systems can be designed to meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act. Attendees will gain valuable insights into:

Key elements of the European Accessibility Act and its impact on education
Designing accessible and inclusive learning environments for all students
Best practices for compliance and overcoming common challenges
Collaborative opportunities for educational institutions and technology providers

This event is an excellent opportunity for anyone involved in the education sector, accessibility advocacy, or policy-making. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, accessibility expert, or education technologist, the insights shared will help you navigate the upcoming legislative changes and ensure that education systems are accessible to all.

Don’t miss out on this crucial event! Secure your place and register today.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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