Opening remarks by session chair

Christopher Frieling
Director Advocacy and Public Policy
SEMI Europe

Abstract
Opening remarks by session chair

Biography
Christopher Frieling is Director for Advocacy and Public Policy and Head of office at the SEMI Europe Brussels Office. He has a background in EU affairs, innovation, and tech policy. Mr. Frieling has 15+ years of experience in Brussels and leads SEMI's team for advocay and oversees all of SEMI's engagement in European projects. Prior to SEMI he worked at the Brussels office of Fraunhofer in several roles including most recently as Senior Advisor. Mr. Frieling holds an MSc in Economics of Science and Innovation and a Bachelor of Business Administration.

ICOS²: Driving International Cooperation on Semiconductors

Giorgos Fagas
Director of Strategic Development
Tyndall National Institute

Abstract
As Europe shapes a potential Chips Act 2.0, trusted international partnerships will be essential for strengthening resilience, competitiveness, and technological leadership. ICOS² (International Cooperation on Semiconductor Innovation and Supply Resilience) is a Horizon Europe initiative designed to support this ambition by providing evidence-based insights and strategic recommendations to inform European semiconductor policy and cooperation with key global partners.This presentation will highlight how ICOS² identifies opportunities for collaboration with leading semiconductor ecosystems, helping Europe build more resilient supply chains, accelerate innovation, and reinforce its position in the global value chain. The presentation will also discuss how ICOS² can contribute to the implementation of a future Chips Act 2.0 by providing practical pathways for international engagement, joint research and innovation activities, talent exchange, and strategic industrial cooperation.

Biography
Pr Giorgos Fagas (PhD, MBA) is Director of Strategic Development at Tyndall National Institute and a member of its Executive Leadership Team, where he shapes the institute’s international strategy and leads major cross-cutting initiatives. An expert in advanced semiconductors, nanoelectronics and quantum technologies, he has played a central role in European research and innovation, contributing to Ireland’s Silicon Island strategy and the EU Chips Act through the implementation of pilot lines such as FAMES, horizon scanning and coordinating numerous EU-funded projects. Advancing international collaboration, expanding pilot line activities, and driving technology foresight efforts that strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem and global partnerships, Giorgos is the Director of SiNANO and coordinator of the ICOS² EU Coordination and Support Action on ‘International Cooperation on Semiconductor Innovation and Supply Resilience’.

Stefano Ramundo Orlando
Advocacy Manager
SEMI Europe

Biography
As Europe moves towards the implementation of the Chips Act 2.0, strengthening international partnerships will be essential to building a more resilient, secure and competitive semiconductor ecosystem. Europe’s position across the semiconductor value chain depends not only on strengthening domestic capabilities, but also on deeper cooperation with trusted partners, including the US, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.This session will examine how the Chips Act 2.0 can reinforce Europe’s strategic positioning and translate international partnerships into practical cooperation on supply chain resilience, technology, investment and innovation. It will also explore the role of initiatives such as ICOS in connecting European capabilities with trusted international ecosystems.