High-NA EUV lithography Europe's innovative strength: How future technologies drive change

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Germany and Europe are grappling with deep structural challenges. To remain competitive on the global stage, Europe must not only generate innovations but also ensure their seamless transformation into economic strength. Only through this consistent approach can the continent secure its place in the global economy.

Europe is globally recognized as one of the most prestigious hubs for innovation. With a robust environment for research and development (R&D), Europe succeeds in making technological breakthroughs that have the potential to create economic prosperity and sustainably change structures. Simultaneously, there are significant weaknesses in terms of the economic applicability of new technologies and innovations, posing considerable risks to the domestic economy.

The recently published study "Transformation Paths for Industry" by the BDI is a wake-up call and underscores the structural problems facing the industrial location of Germany—and with it, Europe. According to the study, Germany must reinvent itself in the greatest transformation effort since the post-war period in order to remain successful in the future amid shrinking markets and high energy costs.

In this transformation, Europe's innovative strength can and must play a central role. The first technologies capable of achieving this are already a reality.

Europe leads in a key technology for the semiconductor industry

A prime example of Europe's innovative strength is the recently available High-NA EUV lithography from ASML. This technology has a significant unique characteristic and creates an important foundation for further increasing the available computing power. High-NA EUV lithography is thus, among other things, a key driver for the computationally intensive development of AI applications, as microchips can be manufactured with up to three times more structures than with conventional methods.

Key components were developed by the teams around Dr. Peter Kösters (ZEISS SMT) and Dr. Michael Kürz (TRUMPF), who were awarded the Werner von Siemens Ring 2024 for this. This development was made possible by a long-term R&D strategy, cooperation networks, and targeted, appropriate innovation funding. Such technological breakthroughs are necessary to secure international competitiveness and, at the same time, create the foundation for the economy of the future.

High-NA EUV lithography is an example of successful transfer from research to industrial practice—an aspect often considered a weakness in Europe—and has the potential to fundamentally change the global chip industry.

Research as a driver for change and independence

Research and development can be driving forces for structural change in Europe under the right conditions. They enable technological innovations that not only optimize existing industries but also create new ones. Particularly in strategic areas such as the semiconductor industry and energy transition, research and development are key to remaining independent and globally competitive in the long term.

High-NA EUV lithography demonstrates how new technologies can also act as catalysts for the transformation of existing structures. It not only contributes to securing the competitiveness of the European chip industry but also opens up new opportunities in the areas of automation and digitalization. However, this innovation capacity must be strengthened through targeted support to achieve and maintain not only technological but also economic sovereignty. High-NA EUV lithography shows that long-term investments in technological leadership lead to outstanding results. This approach of investing in key future technologies is a crucial requirement for a permanently attractive and successful economy in Germany and Europe.

Education and promotion of young talent: an urgent investment

The long-term success of Europe in developing and applying key technologies also depends on the qualifications of skilled workers. The shortage of skilled workers equally jeopardizes both the power to innovate and the ability to implement new technologies in practice. For both, it is crucial to invest specifically in education and training programs to educate the next generation of researchers and professionals.

Currently, European educational institutions are lagging in training highly specialized talents for key industries such as semiconductor production. To address this deficit, existing programs must be further developed and new approaches found to impart practical knowledge to students. For this, collaborations between universities and industry are essential to secure a broad talent base in the long term. Additionally, career paths between university and non-university research should be as permeable as possible.

Future technologies are catalysts for sustainable change

Technologies like High-NA EUV lithography demonstrate that Europe has the potential to lead economic transformation. However, time is of the essence: Only if Europe succeeds in not only producing innovations but also consistently converting them into economic strength, can the continent prevail in global competition. We need technological sovereignty for sustained economic success. (kr)

*Dr. Jan Fischer-Wolfarth is Managing Director of the Werner-von-Siemens-Ring Foundation, holds a PhD in physics, and is an expert in future technologies and the digitalization of mobility. Since 2010, he has supported various federal ministries as Head of Electronics and Digitalization at VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH in the design and implementation of innovative technology funding programs.**