Microelectronics is essential for the functioning of modern devices. Without it, smart devices, artificial intelligence and the internet would not exist. It is an umbrella term for the design and manufacture of small electronic components. These components include microcircuits, or chips, which enable data processing and storage. Today, microcircuits are primarily based on semiconductor technology, which involves using materials in electronic devices to control the flow of electricity.
Despite the central role of microchips in today's digital society, relatively few factories manufacture them, says Jussi Ryynänen, Dean of the School of Electrical Engineering at Aalto University. The factories that manufacture the most advanced circuits are located outside Europe, primarily in Taiwan. Conversely, microchip design softwares are mainly owned by US companies. This creates geopolitical risks, as was evident during the pandemic when microchips were unavailable. Ryynänen hopes that Finland will actively promote a common European microelectronics supply security policy.
Finland must have its own expertise in microchip design and manufacturing, Ryynänen points out. Without this expertise, we cannot verify the accuracy of the information provided by manufacturers or the technology contained in the microchips we purchase. This refers to the qualitative characteristics of microchips, not spy technology, Ryynänen clarifies.
Seven of the world's ten largest companies operate at the heart of the microelectronics sector, and there are no signs of slowing down. For instance, the Technology Industry's 'Chips from the North' strategy report predicts that Finland's semiconductor industry turnover will triple over the next ten years. Additionally, the number of industry jobs is expected to rise from 7,000 to 20,000. In future, microelectronics designers will need to understand both hardware and software features to address industry-related sustainability challenges, such as power consumption of different devices.
Climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, and healthcare solutions require microelectronics. Smaller and smarter circuits enable low-power devices, energy-efficient artificial intelligence, and new applications in healthcare. For this reason, it is important to continue investing in microelectronics research. Microelectronics is not just an invisible part of our everyday lives – it is the key to a more sustainable future, Ryynänen comments.
Atomic layer deposition (ALD), developed in Finland, is a semiconductor manufacturing method at the heart of modern technology, enabling ever-smaller computers, smartphones, and everyday devices.
