In an era where semiconductor supply chains have become a cornerstone of global geopolitics, the relationship between the European Union and Taiwan has gained increasing relevance. Frank Bosenberg, Managing Director of Silicon Saxony and Chairman of Silicon Europe, offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of EU-Taiwan industrial cooperation, particularly in the semiconductor sector.
In this exclusive interview, Bosenberg discusses Taiwan’s role as a key partner for Europe’s microelectronics industry, highlighting Saxony’s growing engagement with Taiwan, including the establishment of a liaison office in Taipei and the foundation of a Saxon-Taiwan association. He also shares his perspective on how the EU’s more assertive stance on Taiwan could influence industrial partnerships and investment patterns.
Looking ahead, Bosenberg outlines strategic recommendations for strengthening EU-Taiwan technological collaborations, particularly in emerging fields such as AI and quantum computing. With initiatives like the EU Business Hub expanding towards Asia, he emphasizes the need for deeper coordination between European member states and the EU Commission to effectively navigate complex international dynamics while fostering innovation-driven partnerships.
The interview provides an in-depth look at the intersection of technology, policy, and global supply chains, offering a roadmap for future EU-Taiwan cooperation.
As someone deeply involved in Europe’s microelectronic landscape, how do you perceive the current state of EU-Taiwan relations, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments and the growing importance of semiconductor supply chains?
I am maybe not in the position to speak for entire EU, but as the current Chairman of Silicon Europe I can cleary say that Taiwan is a very important partner for quite some years already for our industry, the Taiwanese industrial ecosystem, to be precise. Of course, geopolitical aspects play a role in this. However, as clusters organisations we try to be neutral in this regard.
Could you elaborate on the evolving partnership between Saxony and Taiwan, especially regarding semiconductor collaboration? How is Silicon Saxony positioning itself as a key player in this relationship?
As Silicon Saxony we are the strongest cluster in Europe, and the decision of TSMC to build a fab here together with some of our key members will strengthen this position. As a consequence, also relationships between Taiwan and Saxony are being intensified, reaching from a liaison office in Taipei by Saxony up to the foundation of a Saxon-Taiwan association that topic-wise reaches clearly beyond semiconductors.
During these years, we’ve seen increased engagement between Taiwan and Eastern European countries, particularly the Baltic states. What strategies would you recommend for developing deeper technological and industrial partnerships also with Western European nations like Germany, France, Italy, and Spain?
Actually, I see them partly happening already. However, geopolitics is of course a big issue, in particular you have to find a way to balance the relationship with China of course. So keeping the political level our or at least in the background is for sure helpful in this regard.
The European Union has recently adopted a more assertive stance on Taiwan-related issues. From your perspective in the tech sector, how might this diplomatic shift influence future industrial cooperation and investment patterns?
The EU (commission) for years has been more explicit towards Taiwan than the single member states according to my observations. In the end, industrial cooperation and also investments are more connected to single member states than to the EU, so the answer will depend on a better coordination and communication between the member states and the EU, balancing all interests – for sure a very complex task.
Looking ahead to 2025-2030, what specific steps would you recommend for strengthening EU-Taiwan technological partnerships, particularly in emerging fields like AI and quantum computing, while navigating complex international dynamics?
There is the so called EU business hub, targeting Japan and Korea, that has been launched in 2024. An enlargement of this business hub towards Taiwan is certainly something to consider. Respective actions could include trips towards e.g. Computex or also Semicon Taiwan, both very relevant fairs also with regard to the mentioned technologies
