Government ministers in Catalonia will be converging on a
major technology conference with the aim of boosting the region’s semiconductor
industry, which employs around 4,500 people.
The IOT Solutions World Congress (IOTSWC) is taking place at
Gran Via, Barcelona, in May, and there will be a special focus on chip
designers, manufacturers, and suppliers.
Essential in the manufacture of computers, smartphones,
cars, refrigerators, in fact any electronic device, semiconductors play a
crucial role in the implementation of the Internet of Things (IOT).
A range of semiconductor chip manufacturers will exhibit their
research projects and products at the show, including a large number from
Catalonia who will take a single stand.
International firms attending the four-day event, which typically
attracts around 12,000 delegates from 100 countries, include ST
Microelectronics, Lacroix, Tessolve or Würth Elektronikin.
The event, organised by Fira de Barcelona and the Industry IOT Consortium, supports
the strategy developed by the Catalan Government, to boost the semiconductor
industry.
The strategy has led to the creation of the Catalan
Semiconductor Alliance, an initiative made up of various government ministries and companies who are aiming to position Catalonia as a leading hub of semiconductors in
Europe.
Show director, Marc Tarragó, said: “IOTSWC offers chip
manufacturers an opportunity to reach new national and international customers
at a key moment for the transformation of the industry”.
Adding: “We wanted to give a boost to this segment, which is
gaining prominence in an edition that is also consolidating itself as the
leading global event to promote the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.
Secretary general for Enterprise and Competitiveness, Albert Castellanos i Maduell, said: “Catalonia is one of the main
centres of technological attraction in Europe, in terms of the number of
companies, talent and capacity to connect sectors of the entire economic
fabric”.
According to data from the Semiconductor Industry
Association (SIA), the global market for semiconductors will reach €490,977m euros in 2023, with Taiwan being the world's
largest chip producer with 60 per cent of sales, surpassing the United States and
China.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
