Leading industry experts, economists, policymakers, and technology leaders are preparing to gather in Poland for the SEMI Industry Strategy Symposium Europe (ISS Europe) 2026. The event is set to take place from March 11–13 in Sopot, Poland. It will focus on how geopolitical dynamics are reshaping the global semiconductor landscape, and how Europe can navigate increasing geopolitical complexity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reinforce its global competitiveness in an increasingly fragmented landscape.
With its 2026 theme, “Navigating Geopolitics: Shaping Europe’s Future,” ISS Europe will focus on how the region can reinforce its position in an increasingly fragmented global supply chain. The symposium arrives at a pivotal moment: shifting power dynamics, rapid technological change, and the race for manufacturing capacity are challenging Europe to accelerate innovation, investment, and collaboration. The event will explore the intersection of technological innovation and geopolitical transformation. Experts will examine how Europe can strengthen its position within the global semiconductor supply chain, forge new partnerships, and develop a unified, competitive, and sustainable strategy to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“Europe is in a perfect storm,” commented Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. “As global power structures shift and supply chains become more fragmented, our ability to lead depends on unity, strategic investment, and crossborder collaboration. At ISS Europe 2026, industry leaders will share strategies for strengthening supply chain resilience, accelerating pilot lines, and advancing fab management to ensure Europe is not just resilient, but a driving force in shaping the future of the global economy.”
“These are defining times for Europe’s semiconductor industry as we navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape,” said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. “To secure our technological leadership and long-term competitiveness, we must build stronger cross-border collaboration, accelerate innovation, and shape a unified European strategy. ISS Europe 2026 provides a critical platform for aligning industry, academia, and policy to ensure Europe’s leadership in a rapidly shifting global economy.”
Speakers and panelists at ISS Europe consistently examine the forces reshaping the semiconductor industry—from technological innovation and manufacturing strategy to geopolitical pressures and the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence on global competitiveness. For many years, the symposium has placed Europe’s role in the global semiconductor ecosystem at its center. Discussions have focused on how the region can strengthen supply chain resilience, scale advanced manufacturing, and expand its innovation capacity. Recent editions have highlighted upcoming investments, R&D initiatives, and longterm strategic developments, including fab expansions, regional partnerships, technology capability building, and crossborder collaborations that reinforce Europe’s industrial autonomy.
The event brings together more than 300 attendees each year and rotates between European cities every two years to showcase the depth and diversity of the continent’s microelectronics ecosystem. Senior representatives from European institutions, national governments, and leading semiconductor companies convene to engage on Europe’s semiconductor agenda—covering industrial policy, investment strategy, workforce development, and competitiveness in an increasingly contested global market.
Distinguished speakers
The symposium will bring together senior executives, policymakers, researchers, and innovators, including:
- Antonio Mesquida Küsters, CEO, Tech-Diligence; Strategic Advisor, EuClyd
- Carlos Pardo, CEO, KD; President, AESEMI; CoChair, Allpros European Alliance Supply Chain Working Group
- Christoph Kutter, Director, Fraunhofer EMFT, Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD)
- Dirk Drescher, Plant Manager, Robert Bosch Semiconductor Manufacturing Dresden GmbH
- Jari Kinaret, Executive Director, Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU)
- Jean-Christophe Eloy, President & CEO, Yole Group
- Jekaterine Viktorova, Founder & CEO, Syenta
- Joe English, Vice President & Factory Manager, Intel Corporation
- Joerg Recklies, Executive Vice President Frontend, Infineon Technologies
- Lech Wałęsa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
- Manfred Horstmann, General Manager & Senior Vice President, GlobalFoundries (GF)
- Rafał Bugyi, CEO, TRUMPF Hüttinger GmbH & Co. KG
- Thomas Morgenstern, Executive Vice President, STMicroelectronics
- Thomas Richter, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Infineon Technologies
Event highlights
Industry leaders will assess the current state of the semiconductor sector and outline Europe’s strategic priorities in an era of intensifying competition.
Session 1: Geopolitical Dynamics Impacting Market Success – Speakers will examine shifting global power structures and evaluate how Europe can safeguard competitiveness and strengthen its technological leadership.
Session 2: Securing Europe’s Sovereignty – This session will focus on how innovation, manufacturing excellence, and strategic alliances can bolster supply chain resilience and reduce systemic vulnerabilities.
Session 3: From Lab to Fab — Translating Innovation into Sustainable Manufacturing – Experts will discuss Europe’s capacity to convert worldclass research into industrial impact through coordinated innovation, workforce development, and labtofab pathways.
Session 4: Strategic R&D and Disruptive Manufacturing – Participants will explore nextgeneration R&D approaches and disruptive manufacturing techniques designed to enhance performance, efficiency, and longterm industrial strength.
Session 5: Startup Innovations Driving the Industry Forward – Leaders from Europe’s startup ecosystem will highlight how agile, deeptech companies are reshaping semiconductor value chains across materials, design, manufacturing, and automation.
Business networking
The event is also set to feature several networking activities, including a welcome reception and an exclusive gala dinner, where attendees can connect with peers to explore new business and collaboration opportunities.
