Tampere Region Selected to the Presidency of the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance, ESRA

Tampere Regionhas been elected to the presidency of the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESRA). The region will begin as Vice President in 2026, assume the Presidency in 2027, and continue again as Vice President in 2028.

This position strengthens Tampere Region’s and Pirkanmaa’s role in shaping the EU Chips Act and raises the region’s profile as a leading hub of semiconductor expertise. Tampere Region is one of ESRA’s founding members.

ESRA kokoontui 2024 Italiassa. — ESRA meeting in Italy 2024.

“This appointment is a recognition of Tampere Region´s expertise in the EU Chips Act. Our active role in building Finland’s national semiconductor competence centre as well as the EU’s pilot line and design platform has earned us broad trust,” says Petri Räsänen, Director of the Chips from Tampere programme.

Broader impact for Finland

Serving in the presidency will strengthen both Tampere Region’s and Finland’s influence in the semiconductor sector. ESRA maintains close dialogue with the European Commission on the second phase of the EU Chips Act, bringing a regional perspective into the process.

“We expect that the presidency will improve opportunities for new semiconductor investments as part of the continuation of Tampere’s chip programme,” Räsänen adds.

The result of long-term work

Tampere is home to a strong semiconductor cluster covering research, development, education, and business – particularly in chip design and optoelectronics. A European-scale pilot line for semiconductor integration is currently under construction in Hervanta.

The national semiconductor competence centre FiCCC supports the development of competitive chips and stimulates industry demand.

Semiconductors are one of the EU’s most critical technologies, with the current Commission making significant investments to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy.