The new version of the strategy consolidates the work initiated in 2024 and strengthens the positioning of the Central Region within the national and European semiconductor ecosystem.

The Regional Coordination and Development Commission of the Central Region (CCDR Centro) approved, at the meeting of its Board of Directors on 30 September 2026, the new version of the Regional Strategy for Semiconductors and Microelectronics. The update consolidates the first version of the strategy, approved in December 2024, and sets out the actions planned for its implementation.

The document results from an ongoing participatory process involving higher education institutions, companies, research units, and the associations Inova-Ria and TICE.PT, strengthening cooperation among the different stakeholders within the regional ecosystem.

A strategy to consolidate the regional ecosystem

The new version of the Strategy organizes the regional ecosystem into six Technology Hubs - AMPERE, EmbedAll, MiRI-HUB, QuantuM, SCAPE and GreenUpPCB distributed across the Central Region and specialized in different areas of the semiconductor and microelectronics value chain.

The areas of specialization include, among others, integrated photonics, post-silicon validation, radio frequency technologies, quantum technologies and the circular economy. The Hubs are complemented by cross-cutting actions focused on training and attracting specialized professionals, supporting the creation of startups, attracting investment, and promoting students’ interest in the sector.

Supported by a dedicated governance model, the Strategy aims to strengthen the role of the Central Region as a relevant territory in the semiconductor and microelectronics sector, fostering connections between companies, academia, research institutions and other ecosystem stakeholders, while aligning the regional strategy with national and European priorities.

CCDR Centro strengthens its participation in the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance

The update of the Strategy takes place alongside a strengthening of the Central Region’s European dimension in the sector.

At the same meeting, the Board of Directors of CCDR Centro decided to endorse the position of the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance (ESRA) on the European Chips Act 2.0, reinforcing the Central Region’s commitment to the development of the European semiconductor ecosystem.

The Central Region is a founding member of ESRA, established in 2023 and currently bringing together 43 European regions active in the semiconductor sector. The Alliance aims to strengthen the role of regions in shaping and implementing European policies for this strategic sector.

Among ESRA’s priorities are strengthening the role of regions in European semiconductor governance, ensuring companies, particularly SMEs, access to technological infrastructures and pilot lines, maintaining European funding, and developing skills and specialized talent. The position also highlights photonics as a strategic area.

A Central Region more connected to Europe

The update of the Regional Strategy and the strengthened participation in ESRA contribute to consolidating the position of the Central Region in a sector of growing importance for innovation, competitiveness and technological development.

By combining a structured regional strategy with active participation in the European ecosystem, the Central Region strengthens the conditions for promoting cooperation, developing skills, connecting companies with research organizations, and creating new opportunities for collaboration and investment in semiconductors and microelectronics.

The update of the Regional Strategy therefore represents another important step towards consolidating the semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystem in the Central Region and strengthening its positioning within the European context.

🔗 Read the full news article and the new Regional Strategy:
CCDR Centro – Regional Strategy for Semiconductors and Microelectronics