Personal Views - Interview with Georg Kelm
At the end of 2011, Georg Kelm, one of our most experienced colleagues, retired. Before he left we asked him some (difficult) questions: How he sees the future of nanoelectronics in Europe? What are the main topics to focus on? What is the way forward for the former communist Eastern European countries to get on board in nanotechnology and nanoelectronics? How does he see the future of 450mm? What advice he would give to his former colleagues?To the last question, Georg answered that we should always maintain good contact and listen to the research community, industry and the other stakeholders, because "this is not only to the benefit of the projects but is essential to our strategic thinking." Check the rest of the interview below:
Dear Georg, you worked for many years in the nanoelectronics field. How do you see the present and how do you see the future of this area?
GK: "We cannot ignore that we have an overall global shift, the centre of gravity is shifting, but Europe should do everything to keep a critical mass of the value chain here. When we look in history, we see that those regions which have the best developed technologies were also the most prosperous, and they were defining the trend of history. Regions lose ground when they lose the capability to innovate."
What are the main topics to focus on in nanoelectronics?
GK: "We have our three topics in Horizon 2020. One is the societal needs, the other is competitiveness which needs to keep pace with the global development, and last but not least there is the scientific foundation which fuels innovation .So let’s focus in these three areas, that the researchers can invent and innovate, and do what they are excellent at, have enough support and recognition to bring us further in the horizon of our knowledge."
How could the former communist Eastern European countries get on board in nanotechnology and nanoelectronics?
GK: "I think honestly it is not necessary and even not desirable that all eastern countries catch up in all high-tech areas. So, the question would be: Does it make sense for all these countries to participate in the race in nanoelectronics? I would say it rather does not. It might be more beneficial to develop research areas which are less mature than the semiconductor industry or micro-nanoelectronics. One should build on existing tradition and knowledge and consider upcoming technologies, like biotech, bioscience, medical care, medicine, advanced pharmaceutical products, food production, agriculture. In my opinion it is not possible to excel in all areas of science and technology. but of course each country must have focal points, also dependent on available budgets and have a chance to catch up"
What does the future hold on 450mm?
GK: "I would like to say that we had a workshop on this topic on 28 November 2011. We had good, in-depth and open discussion. We saw the clear will of those attending from industry and research institutes to contribute to the discussion which is key to our industrial and research destiny. I think the outcome is that it is clear to everybody that the 450mm transition in the semiconductor industry will happen."
What advice would you give to your former colleagues?
GK: "The working relations always helped me to fill gaps which I could not fill myself and it is astonishing to experience how much we all can benefit from the collective wisdom. We think we know it all and then when you are on your own you suddenly notice that much of what we do is based on a collective, on a team’s knowledge. I suggest to keep up the team spirit."
Disclaimer: The content of this interview does not represent the official position of the European Commission.