Last week, partners of the European Chips Diversity Alliance gathered in Trieste, Italy, for two days of discussions, collaboration, and knowledge sharing focused on advancing DEI across Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Hosted by IAL-FVG and Addeco, the Inclusive Chips Forum – Diverse Talent Driving Business Value brought together stakeholders from industry, education, healthcare, and policy to explore how inclusive workplaces and diverse talent can strengthen innovation, workforce development, and long-term resilience within the European chip sector.

Held on May 7, the forum featured a wide range of perspectives on inclusion challenges and opportunities within the semiconductor industry. Sessions explored topics including neurodiversity in the workplace, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, women in the workplace, and practical approaches to creating inclusive organisational cultures. The event also provided space for industry representatives to share best practices and real-world experiences from across the semiconductor ecosystem.

The discussions throughout the day highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, education, and policy actors in ensuring Europe’s semiconductor workforce is equipped to thrive in an increasingly diverse and evolving sector.

Following the forum, the ECDA consortium continued its tradition of gathering for a shared dinner after project events, offering an opportunity to reflect on the day’s conversations in a more informal setting. Over traditional Italian pizza and local desserts, partners strengthened connections across the consortium and exchanged ideas for the next phases of the project.

On Friday, ECDA partners reconvened for a full consortium meeting dedicated to reviewing project progress and discussing upcoming activities. Conversations focused on the rollout of the ECDA training suite, updates on engagement programmes, developments surrounding the project’s second DEI report, and reflections on consortium collaboration and working practices.

The meeting featured insightful and productive discussions throughout, with partners actively contributing ideas, experiences, and feedback. It was also valuable to hear directly from consortium members about the diversity and inclusion initiatives already being implemented within their own organisations and institutions, reinforcing the shared commitment across the partnership to creating a more inclusive semiconductor industry in Europe.

ECDA would like to thank IAL-FVG and Adecco for hosting the events and all partners and speakers who contributed to two engaging and impactful days in Trieste.