In recent years, large areas of the microelectronics industry, which is so important for Styria and Carinthia, have grown significantly – including huge investments. In the wake of the current gloomy economic climate, the industry’s kings are also often struggling with a slump in sales. The international conference EBSCON, organized by the cross-state Silicon Alps Cluster under the leadership of managing director Robert Gfrerer, nevertheless relied on a contrasting program.
Under the title “Curiosity” (translated as “curiosity”), the industry’s innovation and research achievements are brought into focus. Sabine Herlitschka, CEO of Infineon Austria, speaks of a “performance show, curiosity and research spirit are the driving forces for innovation”.
TU Rector Horst Bischof, State Councilor Barbara Eibinger-Miedl and Robert Gfrerer (Silicon Alps Cluster) © Ebscon
This is “more important than ever, especially in economically difficult times”. Herlitschka points out that Austria’s industry is already in its third year of recession. An environment that promotes a culture of innovation is correspondingly important. Overall, high energy costs and the regulatory framework would be a burden, “the Green Deal is right”, but it must not only promote transformation, but also competitiveness, said Herlitschka.
Wages rose by 25 percent within three years
The fact that KV wages in the electronics industry have increased by 25 percent within three years “is very demanding in this global industry”, keyword competitiveness. Nevertheless, research and development is of immense importance, and cooperation in clusters, networks and with universities plays a key role. There are now 140 partner companies and organizations networked in the Silicon Alps Cluster.
Horst Bischof, Rector of Graz University of Technology, also takes this up. The universities are “home of curiosity”. It is the TU’s self-image to bring research results into effect and thus into the economy. Networks are also crucial for this, “we also need the next generation Infineons and AVLs,” said Bischof. Therefore, training and further education are crucial.
Infineon boss Sabine Herlitschka © Infineon
An international project is currently bringing science particularly close to business. Under the leadership of Graz University of Technology, 15 universities, companies and research institutions are working together to train urgently needed specialists for the semiconductor industry. The EU is funding the project with more than seven million euros; the study programs place particular emphasis on the development and production of particularly sustainable and energy-efficient microchips.
Koralm Tunnel as an accelerator
Herlitschka once again outlines what can come out of such bridge-building using concrete examples. “Almost all of you are carrying clear examples of the importance of ‘Curiosity’ in corporate culture: silicon microphones from Infineon, which are now installed in almost every smartphone or in-ear headphone worldwide. This development began with a dissertation, and today Infineon is the world market leader with a market share of almost 50 percent.” This refers to so-called MEMS microphones, i.e. tiny microphones that convert sound vibrations into electrical signals.
Another example of strategically supported innovation is the milestone for the industry, the world’s first 300 millimeter gallium nitride (GaN) power technology from Infineon, which was only presented in mid-September. Infineon is considered the first company in the world to master this technology – which is groundbreaking in power electronics – in an existing, scalable, high-volume production facility.
Styrian Economics Councilor Barbara Eibinger-Miedl is convinced that the Koralm Tunnel will allow Carinthia and Styria to “grow together into a common economic area”. They are convinced that this will further increase “international visibility and attractiveness for highly qualified specialists”.
