Starting in 2025, Poland's Tri-City region will host the prestigious Industry Strategy Symposium Europe (ISS Europe) for the next two years, positioning the country as a central hub for global leaders in the semiconductor manufacturing sector. This event marks a significant milestone for Poland and the Pomerania region, further elevating the country's role in the semiconductor industry.
What is ISS Europe?
ISS Europe is a premier annual event that gathers top business, science, and technology leaders from around the world to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and strategies in the semiconductor industry. The symposium provides a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration, helping to shape the future of the European semiconductor supply chain. ISS Europe plays a crucial role in driving the strategic direction of the semiconductor industry across Europe.
Poland's Growing Role in the Global Semiconductor Industry
Poland is steadily gaining recognition as a key player in the global semiconductor industry, largely due to Intel's recent decision to establish a $4.6 billion chip integration and testing facility in Miękinia, near Wrocław. This major investment, along with Intel’s 20-year Research and Development (R&D) Centre in Poland, underscores the country's growing importance in advanced technology and innovation.
Intel’s R&D department in Poland, responsible for designing microprocessors, is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. In June 2023, Poland’s Pomerania region became the first member of SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International), an international organization representing companies involved in semiconductor production. This membership, coordinated by the Pomerania Development Agency, was a key factor in Poland being selected as the host for ISS Europe—an event previously held in cities like Berlin, Dublin, Brussels, and Paris.
The decision to hold ISS Europe in Sopot emphasizes Poland’s increasing influence in the semiconductor sector and its role in shaping the future of this critical industry.
Challenges and Opportunities in the European Semiconductor Industry
While Taiwan, China, and South Korea remain global leaders in the semiconductor sector, recent global disruptions—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—have exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains. As a result, many companies are shifting their production to Europe, actively exploring alternative locations in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) for semiconductor manufacturing. Countries like Poland, Czechia, and Hungary are becoming attractive options for these companies, offering robust infrastructure and skilled workforces.
The Tri-City: A Strategic Location for the Semiconductor Industry
Poland’s Tri-City area (Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot) is ideally suited for the semiconductor industry, boasting excellent road, rail, air, and port connectivity, as well as a strong focus on renewable energy. With a skilled workforce of over 14,000 employees in the electronics sector and 2,500 annual graduates in related fields, the Tri-City presents a highly attractive location for semiconductor companies and investors.
The region’s infrastructure and talent pool make it an ideal setting for ISS Europe and a promising hub for future semiconductor investments.
Conclusion: Poland's Strategic Importance in CEE's Semiconductor Industry
As Poland continues to attract industrial investments from major global players like Intel, its role in the semiconductor industry is rapidly expanding. Hosting ISS Europe in 2025 solidifies Poland’s position as a key player in the European and global semiconductor market. With growing partnerships, enhanced infrastructure, and a skilled workforce, Poland is poised to become a central hub for the semiconductor industry in Central and Eastern Europe, further driving innovation and industrial growth in the region.
