The SEMIDEC project is a special support action to stimulate strategic cooperation in the design of semiconductor components and electronic based miniaturised systems between Europe and Russia. Initiated by six European (United Kingdom, France and Germany) and Russian partners, SEMIDEC project aims to develop cooperation between the two regions.
Russia is one of a few countries in the world to have in depth knowledge and capabilities spanning research, design and production of microelectronics and integrated circuits. Despite Russia’s considerable expertise the Russian electronics industry experienced a dramatic decline in investment and domestic demand following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and there were no Russian semiconductor organisations participating in the EC’s FP6 IST programme.
Meanwhile, Europe faces challenges in addressing the research priorities identified in the FP7 ICT Work Programme 2009 and ENIAC Strategic Research Agenda 2007 in the field of semiconductor design methods and tools whereas it has a leading position in integrated circuit product innovation.
The SEMIDEC project is thus a great opportunity to fill in lacking contact with foreign companies and access to foreign markets for Russia’s electronics industry as well as to foster industrial and research partnerships between Russia and Europe in semiconductor design.
Over 24 months from December 2009, the consortium coordinated by Intelligentsia (UK) will :
- Map Russian organisations involved in semiconductor design methods, tools and standardisation (e.g. EU’s research priorities);
- Organize combined awareness-raising, networking and training events in Russia and support the attendance of Russian experts at key events in Europe;
- Provide ‘hands-on’ support to Russian organisations to join European consortia preparing FP7 ICT proposals;
- Facilitate secondment of Russian researchers to European semiconductor design organisations.
The SEMIDEC project is supported by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme.
