The German-American Semiconductor Cities Network brings together stakeholders from Ger-man and American semiconductor regions to strengthen transatlantic dialogue between re-search, industry, policymakers, and regional innovation ecosystems. The network is organized and administered by the American Council on Germany with support from the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded through the European Recovery Pro-gram (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

In November of last year, the German participants visited innovation and research hubs in Al-bany, New York, and Austin, Texas, as part of a study tour to the United States. This year’s return visit brought the American delegation to Munich, Hamburg, and Itzehoe.

The program in Itzehoe focused on Fraunhofer ISIT, InnoQuarter, and other stakeholders within the regional semiconductor and innovation ecosystem. The delegation gained insights into research and development activities in advanced microelectronics and power electronics technologies, as well as the close collaboration between science, industry, and regional devel-opment.

Institute directors Alexander Heuer, Fabian Lofink presented the technological orientation and research activities of Fraunhofer ISIT. The program also included a window tour given by Oli-ver Schwarzelbach through the institute’s research infrastructure, providing the international guests with insights into development and cleanroom processes. In addition, site partner Vishay presented its activities at the Itzehoe location.

“The semiconductor industry is facing major technological and geopolitical challenges world-wide. International cooperation and exchange between research and innovation ecosystems are essential to further strengthen technological sovereignty, innovation capacity, and resilient value chains,” said Alexander Heuer, Director of Fraunhofer ISIT.

In addition to research institutions and industrial companies, the Germany tour also focused on topics such as quantum technologies, AI applications, talent development, and regional innovation strategies. Other program stops included research institutions and companies in Munich and Hamburg.

With this visit, Fraunhofer ISIT underlined the international visibility of the Itzehoe site as part of a strong European microelectronics ecosystem and highlighted the importance of transat-lantic cooperation for the future of the semiconductor industry.