The semiconductor industry's decision-makers' forum is coming to Saxony

The event is organized by SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International), the international association representing the global semiconductor and microelectronics industry.

At this year’s symposium, held from March 11 to 13 in Sopot, Poland, Saxony’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Sebastian Scheel, accepted the symbolic baton. The German Federal State of Saxony is supporting the preparation and execution of both events with a total of 300,000 euros. Dresden is slated to be the venue.

The fact that ISS Europe will take place in Saxony is of considerable significance for Saxony as a business location and, in particular, for the “Silicon Saxony” microelectronics cluster from the perspectives of industrial, innovation, and location policy. “Saxony is the leading microelectronics hub in Europe. ISS Europe strengthens our strategic position in a key industry, increases the region’s visibility in international competition, and creates favorable conditions and networks for concrete business relocations, further investments, and collaborations,” said State Secretary for Economic Affairs Sebastian Scheel in Sopot.

ISS Europe brings together companies and executives from various countries in the semiconductor industry. Around 300 to 400 executives, technology leaders, and strategy experts from semiconductor manufacturers, supplier industries, end-user sectors, and service providers are expected to attend. Scheel continued: “This concentration of decision-makers is unique, making ISS Europe a major opportunity for us. We can strategically expand our networks in Europe, North America, and Asia. We look forward to engaging with international decision-makers and will be excellent hosts.”

Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen GmbH (WFS) has played a key role in driving and supporting the efforts to host ISS Europe in Saxony. WFS Managing Director Thomas Horn adds: “With ISS Europe in Dresden, Saxony is coming even more into the spotlight of the international microelectronics industry and gaining greater visibility worldwide. It offers various stakeholders the opportunity to present themselves and the unique ecosystem to relevant decision-makers, investors, and potential customers on-site, and to network specifically with global partners in a suitable setting. Above all, through direct access to current trends and developments in the semiconductor industry, we expect new impetus for partnerships and projects for Saxon companies and research institutions.”

Frank Bösenberg, Managing Director of Silicon Saxony, says: “With the SEMI Industry Strategy Symposium Europe returning to Dresden in 2027 and 2028, Dresden will become the most frequently chosen host city for ISS Europe since 2009. No other European city has hosted the semiconductor industry’s strategy meeting more frequently during this period. Dresden is thus positioning itself as a central hub for strategic debates in European microelectronics while simultaneously underscoring its leading role as a world-class manufacturing location. The fact that the global industry association SEMI has chosen this location amid a phase of growing geopolitical tensions and industrial policy realignment sends a clear signal to policymakers, investors, and industry.”