The American IT group Intel has again spoken out in favor of more state aid in semiconductor production. "A favorable environment should be created that enables chip manufacturers to be competitive with production in Europe," said Intel Germany boss Christin Eisenschmid of the editorial network in Germany. Production in Asia is 40 percent cheaper than in Europe. Most of this comes from subsidies, which has been part of the industrial strategy of governments for many years. "A similar funding policy is also essential in order to manufacture more semiconductors in Europe," Eisenschmid was quoted as saying.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger recently made a similar request.
He was in Europe and met, among others, the EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, who is committed to reducing the European gap in the semiconductor industry compared to Asia and America.
For its part, the American government long ago defined this industry as a strategically relevant technology area and launched a program comprising billions.
Intel in turn already operates a chip factory in Ireland and is planning another location in Europe.
The company is demanding billions in funding for this, with reference to Asia.
Bavaria, for example, is hoping for a settlement.
At the moment, due to the accelerating digitization as a result of the pandemic, chips are so popular that production is insufficient. German automobile manufacturers have also had to cut production several times as a result.