Making the Nordic countries a pioneer in microelectronics

The focal points and strengths of the Nordic countries are complementary, arising from long-standing research traditions, high-quality education and close cooperation between the public and private sectors. We need to learn how to take advantage of these complementarities and further expand the shared innovation capacity, competitiveness, value and influence of the Nordic countries in Europe. 

It is particularly important to ensure that the Nordic countries collaborate in developing and deploying new critical technologies so that Nordic companies and economies can grow alongside these opportunities.

The chip industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The growth is driven by technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, smartphones and computers, automotive electronics, electric and autonomous vehicles and factory automation. As a result of this, the production of semiconductor chips will also increase significantly in the coming years. The quantum technology market is also expected to grow by tens of percents each year, and photonics market will certainly not stay flat , either. These technologies will be necessary in the future, and the Nordic countries have realised that staying on the cutting edge of technology demands strategic cooperation.

Finland will strengthen the fabrication capabilities of specialised microelectronics through these pilot lines with the support of the EU, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and Business Finland. VTT is involved in the FAMES, APECS, NanoIC and PIXEurope pilot lines. VTT is also involved in Chips JU quantum pilots and is coordinating the SUPREME superconducting quantum pilot. Tampere University is also involved in the Chips JU WBG pilot, and the related investments particularly support photonics packaging. Other Nordic countries benefit from these investments because they can base component and application development on these fabrication technologies.

The Nordic countries maintain a strong and growing position in the development of microelectronics, photonics and quantum technology. National investments, a skilled workforce and an open innovation environment all lay a foundation on which global impact can be built. 

Indeed, in the Nordic countries, it is now possible to build a common ecosystem of microelectronics, photonics and quantum technology, where companies are established and grow to become world leaders thanks to Nordic R&D and fabrication capabilities. This also requires cooperation in training and attracting experts and creating a business-friendly atmosphere. The Nordic countries should be the destination of choice for new startups, because our ability to develop microelectronics and quantum technology is among the best in the world and we offer some of the best growth opportunities for businesses. We also need business accelerators and cooperation to pull in larger investments during the scaling phase in order to attract VC funds and funders. 

Microelectronics forms the basis for modern digital technology. Finland has been developing world-class expertise for a long time, especially in chip design, MEMS systems, RF chips, integrated photonics, power electronics and quantum circuits. VTT and universities have been key actors in building development environments and infrastructure in the field. This infrastructure can be utilised by both Finnish and foreign companies.

In Finland, investments have been targeted by region on slightly different research and technology infrastructures. In Espoo, the strengths of Micronova and the coming Kvanttinova hub are specifically related to quantum circuits, RF circuits, MEMS circuits, integrated photonics and sensors. A strong hub centred around III-V semiconductors and packaging technologies, which are particularly utilised in the photonics ecosystem, has formed in Tampere. Pilot investments will further strengthen our technology infrastructure and lay the foundation for world-class component and application development.

In Sweden, the RISE research institute has long been developing power semiconductors. Also therefore, Sweden’s strengths are focused on power electronics. Although there are a few cleanrooms in Sweden, a majority of them are research infrastructures. Denmark’s strengths lie particularly in photonics and quantum sensors. In Norway, there is SINTEF, which develops sensors and has its own cleanroom. In Iceland, the development of microelectronics is only just beginning. However, these countries have a lot of design expertise that could make use of Finnish research and technology infrastructure. In the same way, we can take advantage of their capabilities in our design work.

Quantum technologies, such as quantum computing, quantum sensors and quantum communication, are undergoing a transformation. Finland has a strong research tradition in low-temperature physics, superconducting technology and photonics. The national Centre of Excellence and flagship programme, Quantum Technology Finland (QTF) as well as coordinating responsibility for the superconducting European SUPREME quantum pilot line are proof positive of Finland’s status as a pioneer in Europe. 

In Denmark, the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) and Danish Quantum Foundry are developing vacuum-based manufacturing for multiple quantum modalities, which include at least photonics, superconductors and semiconductors. The NQCP and Danish Quantum Foundry possess capabilities that we do not have in Finland but would benefit our RDI if they were available to us. Sweden’s strength in superconductors is amply demonstrated by the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT). Together, Nordic quantum technology is well positioned to create world-class solutions.

Nordic research and technology infrastructures in the areas of microelectronics, photonics and quantum technologies complement each other. The manufacturing infrastructure in these areas is very cost-intensive and requires continuous updating. It would therefore be logical to examine the microfabrication infrastructure at the Nordic level as complementary instead of competitive. This would enable us to make better use of the complementary research and technology infrastructures of our neighbouring countries, develop components and applications, and also create intellectual property rights for the Nordic countries. Correspondingly, other Nordic countries could make better use of the research and technology infrastructure located in Finland.

In the Nordic countries, infrastructure investments should therefore be complementary, not merely copies of each other: the Nordic countries are too small for this. Euros and kronor must be invested advisedly and in a complementary manner. Implementing a technology infrastructure across Nordic borders would cost-effectively support the development of innovations and intellectual property rights as well as promote the shared economic growth of the Nordic countries. 

Infrastructure is an enabling factor for cutting-edge device and application development. Only by facilitating the fabrication of advanced chips can we create new components and applications based on the latest processing technologies. Focusing investments on microelectronics RDI hubs and the development of manufacturing technology would make the Nordic countries an attractive investment target for fabs. Our goal should be to build several commercial semiconductor fabs into the Nordic countries.

Cooperation is already under way. Nordic innovation funders organise Nordic Chip Collaboration Meet-ups, and there is a real desire to work in cooperation. Things are off to a good start. Now, all that is needed is a strong commitment to achieving common goals at the Nordic level and an active approach to implementation. 

All Nordic countries would benefit from closer cooperation in microelectronics and quantum technologies as well as establishing complementary capabilities. This would enable the growth of the Nordic business ecosystem and the creation of innovations. We would also maximise intellectual property rights in the Nordic countries. Nordic joint RDI projects are and would be a good start for this.