ECSA Skills Strategy 2025

UPDATE ON THE TALENT GAP IN THE EU SEMICONDUCTOR ECOSYSTEM

The 2025 edition of the ECSA Skills Strategy delivers an updated analysis of the talent shortage in Europe’s semiconductor sector. It points to a serious structural imbalance, shaped by an ageing workforce and too few new graduates entering the field.

Over the past year, three developments have influenced the size and nature of the gap:

1. The delay or cancellation of four major EU investment projects
2. The European semiconductor market downturn in 2024
3. A weak market outlook for 2025 and the years ahead

Yet the core challenge runs deeper. Around 30 percent of today’s workforce is expected to retire between 2023 and 2030, including highly skilled professionals and educators. At the same time, the number of graduates in semiconductor related disciplines is increasing by less than 1 percent annually. This widening mismatch is the primary driver of the talent shortage, putting pressure on Europe’s competitiveness and economic security.

Current projections indicate that by 2030 the European semiconductor industry could face an average yearly deficit of approximately 10,800 skilled workers across the value chain.

What the 2025 Report Covers

This year’s edition presents:

• Updated projections of labour demand and workforce supply, reflecting recent investment and market shifts in Europe
• Contributions and perspectives from 130 experts representing industry, research and education
• A detailed review of critical job profiles and emerging skills needs, including expertise linked to AI, system design and cybersecurity
• Policy and training recommendations aimed at reinforcing talent pipelines in both the short and longer term

The report makes clear that coordinated action between education providers, industry leaders and public authorities is essential to tackle the skills shortage and protect Europe’s position in the global semiconductor landscape.

Website and download: ECSA Skills Strategy 2025 - European Chips Skills Academy

_{Published on STEMCoalition website: 15 February 2026}