The Without Us campaign is a national initiative that highlights the critical role of semiconductor professionals in shaping the future of technology and innovation. Finland’s semiconductor sector is at a turning point—without skilled experts, progress halts. As the backbone of modern technology, semiconductors power everything from AI-driven applications and smart healthcare solutions to 6G networks and autonomous systems. To secure Finland’s place in the global semiconductor race, a strong talent pipeline, advanced R&D, and industry collaboration are essential.
A Talent-Driven Strategy: Chips from the North & FiCCC
At the heart of this transformation is Chips from the North, Finland’s strategic roadmap to becoming a global semiconductor powerhouse. The plan aims to:
- Increase semiconductor revenue from €1.6 billion to €5-6 billion by 2035
- Generate up to €180 billion in indirect economic impact
- Create 20,000 new jobs in the semiconductor industry
To meet this goal, Finland is investing €5 billion in joint R&D, expanding chip design and manufacturing capabilities, and building a stronger talent pipeline.
A key pillar of this effort is the Finnish Chips Competence Centre (FiCCC), an initiative designed to accelerate semiconductor innovation and bridge the gap between research and industry. FiCCC focuses on high-performance, energy-efficient system-on-chip design and specialized semiconductor manufacturing processes in:
- Quantum technologies – Strengthening Finland’s position in next-generation computing
- MEMS and sensors – Enhancing semiconductor applications for healthcare, automotive, and telecommunications
- RF and optoelectronics – Driving breakthroughs in connectivity and photonics
- Wide bandgap semiconductors – Enabling high-performance, energy-efficient solutions
By fostering collaboration between industrial leaders, research institutions, and education providers, FiCCC ensures that Finland remains at the forefront of semiconductor technology, aligning perfectly with the Without Us campaign’s goal of attracting and training skilled semiconductor professionals.
Oulu’s Role in Shaping the Future of Semiconductors
As a semiconductor powerhouse, Oulu plays a pivotal role in turning Finland’s semiconductor vision into reality. With a legacy in communications technology from Nokia, Oulu has become a hub for wireless networks, chip design, and sensor innovations. The city is home to leading institutions such as the University of Oulu, OAMK, and VTT, which collaborate with global semiconductor companies to drive cutting-edge R&D and workforce development.
Oulu is also a leader in educational initiatives like the MEREBE project, which helps train the next generation of semiconductor professionals—ensuring that Finland’s semiconductor sector has the skilled workforce it needs to compete globally.
Building the Future: Without You, There Is No Innovation
The Without Us campaign is a call to action—Finland needs engineers, researchers, students, and tech professionals to join the semiconductor industry and help shape the future. With major public-private investments, cutting-edge R&D, and top-tier educational programs, Finland—and Oulu in particular—is set to become a global leader in semiconductors.
Now is the time to be part of the movement, drive innovation, and make an impact—because, without you, the future of semiconductors doesn’t exist.
For further information, please contact:
Director
juha.ala-mursula@businessoulu.com
Key Account Director, ICT
jussi.leponiemi@businessoulu.com
Project Director
juha.m.heikkila@businessoulu.com