What is Moore’s Law?
In 1965, Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, noticed a pattern in the evolution of computer chips: every two years, the number of transistors on a microchip doubled, while the cost of computing power decreased. This observation, known as Moore’s Law, has driven the growth of the semiconductor industry for decades, making electronic devices more powerful, energy-efficient, and affordable. This continuous improvement has shaped modern technology, enabling the development of smartphones, artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, and high-speed telecommunications. It has fueled economic growth, increased productivity, and made digital transformation possible across industries.
Why is Moore’s Law Becoming Harder to Sustain?
For years, the semiconductor industry followed Moore’s Law by making transistors smaller. Today, however, miniaturization is reaching its physical limits. Transistors are now so small, just a few nanometers wide, that new challenges have emerged:
- Physical limits : At atomic scales, quantum effects disrupt the way transistors operate, making further shrinking more complex.
- Manufacturing complexity : Producing next-generation chips requires highly advanced processes like Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, which demand extreme precision and enormous investment.
- Rising costs : Research, development, and production costs for innovative semiconductors are increasing, making it difficult for companies to keep pace.
Despite these challenges, the industry is working on new solutions to continue technological progress. Innovations in chip architecture, new materials, and advanced manufacturing are helping to extend Moore’s Law beyond simple transistor scaling.
The Role of IPCEI ME/CT in Advancing Semiconductor Technology
To remain competitive in the global semiconductor race, Europe is investing in key technologies that will shape the future of microelectronics. The Important Project of Common European Interest on Microelectronics and Communication Technologies (IPCEI ME/CT) is a major initiative to strengthen the European semiconductor industry and reduce reliance on non-European suppliers.
Fourteen EU Member States have joined forces to support 68 research and development projects led by 56 companies. Together, they are investing up to €8.1 billion in public funding, with an expected €13.7 billion in private investment to follow.
IPCEI ME/CT focuses on several strategic areas that will help sustain Moore’s Law and drive innovation:
- EUV Lithography – Essential for manufacturing smaller and more powerful transistors.
- Energy-efficient semiconductors – Supporting the transition to greener electronics.
- Advanced chip architectures – Enabling higher computing power without increasing energy consumption.
By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, research institutes, and policymakers, IPCEI ME/CT is ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of semiconductor development.
Why This Matters for Europe
Semiconductors are at the heart of digitalization, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and industrial automation. Ensuring access to advanced chip manufacturing is not just an economic issue—it is a matter of strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty for Europe.
By investing in Moore’s Law’s future, Europe is:
- Strengthening its industrial and technological leadership
- Securing a stable and resilient semiconductor supply chain
- Creating high-value jobs and innovation opportunities
- Reducing dependencies on external markets
Missed the live session? The webinar replay is now available !
🔴 "The Road to EUV Lithography: The Role of European Collaborations in Keeping Moore’s Law Alive"
In this webinar, ASML and imec reflect on some of the technical challenges they faced and the perseverance needed to develop Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) lithography. Additionally, both organizations provide insights on the future of EUV lithography.
Watch the replay on our Youtube Channel !