The Netherlands continues to play an increasingly important role in the global semiconductor industry, building on its established strengths in advanced equipment manufacturing while expanding into emerging technologies and international partnerships.
For many years, the Dutch semiconductor ecosystem has been closely associated with ASML, the world’s leading supplier of advanced lithography systems used in chip production. However, recent developments suggest that the country’s influence extends far beyond a single company. Dutch firms, research institutions, and government initiatives are helping to shape the next generation of semiconductor technologies while strengthening Europe’s strategic position in the global supply chain.
One area attracting growing attention is silicon photonics, a technology that uses light rather than electrical signals to transmit and process data. As demand for computing power continues to rise, particularly for data-intensive applications, energy efficiency has become a critical challenge for the semiconductor sector. The Netherlands is leveraging its expertise in optical precision engineering, an area closely linked to its long-standing strengths in semiconductor equipment, to support the development of photonics-based solutions.
To accelerate innovation in this field, the Dutch government has committed significant funding through PhotonDelta, a national initiative focused on photonic technologies. Investments exceeding €1 billion aim to strengthen research, commercialization, and industrial adoption, positioning the Netherlands as a potential leader in next-generation chip interconnect technologies.
At the same time, the Netherlands is deepening international cooperation, particularly with South Korea, one of the world’s leading semiconductor-producing nations. Discussions between the two countries increasingly focus on future technologies, including silicon photonics, while existing partnerships continue to expand across the semiconductor value chain.
Several Dutch companies are contributing to these efforts. ASM is recognized for its expertise in plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), a process used to create ultrathin films essential for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The company has invested heavily in its operations in South Korea, where its Hwaseong facility serves as a major research and manufacturing hub outside Europe. Another Dutch company, BESI, is widely regarded as a leader in hybrid bonding equipment, a technology expected to play an important role in advanced chip packaging and performance improvements. In addition, TNO, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, maintains active collaborations with international semiconductor partners.
The Netherlands is also supporting broader European ambitions through the proposed Chips Act 2.0. Building on the original European Chips Act introduced in 2022, the updated strategy seeks to strengthen the continent’s semiconductor ecosystem, reduce external dependencies, and encourage greater production of both advanced and conventional chips within the European Union. The proposal emphasizes closer cooperation between chip manufacturers and end-users, while promoting faster permitting processes and stronger partnerships with like-minded countries.
As global demand for semiconductors continues to grow, the Dutch semiconductor sector appears well positioned to contribute through innovation, international collaboration, and advanced manufacturing expertise. While challenges remain, the combination of technological leadership, strategic investment, and European policy support reinforces the Netherlands’ role as a key player in the future of the semiconductor industry.
References
Holland High Tech. (2026, June 04). Chips Act 2.0: Europe strengthens its semiconductor strategy. Retrieved from Holland High Tech: https://www.hollandhightech.nl/en/news-calendar/news/chips-act-20-europe-strengthens-its-semiconductor-strategy
Jaewon, K. (2026, May 24). South Korea–Netherlands Chip Ties May Go Beyond ASML; Silicon Photonics Seen as a Key Opportunity. Retrieved from Nikkei Asia : https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/interview/south-korea-netherlands-chip-partnership-goes-beyond-asml
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