TSMC settlement in Dresden: "New companies will join".

From Nora Miethke

Mr. Bösenberg, what does the settlement of TSMC mean for the Silicon Saxony cluster?

The settlement is an important building block for further growth and a huge success. At the same time, it increases technology sovereignty and resilience. This applies not only to Saxony, of course, but also to Germany and Europe - in this respect, it is also an important step in implementing the goals of the EU Chips Act.

Will Dresden join the ranks of the top international players that can keep up with Asia and America?

It would be presumptuous to compare Dresden or Silicon Saxony with Asia or America. However, strengthening the region undoubtedly also means strengthening Europe - at this level, it is important to remain a relevant player.

It is said that TSMC would have to bring in its own suppliers. Do you anticipate further smaller settlements?

At Silicon Saxony many well-known suppliers are already present. Nevertheless, it can be assumed that new companies will also be added in this area, especially from the Asian region and especially from Taiwan, yes. Not least for this reason, we will also be represented in September with a booth at Semicon Taiwan, the most important supplier trade show in this area.

You emphasize that Dresden's urban planners are now being called upon to expand the infrastructure. That sounds like the process is going too slowly for you?

We as an association and also I personally regularly demand a high or higher speed of implementation. In this case, however, it is initially even more important to critically question the planning basis - this applies in particular to the population development in the greater Dresden area, in the city as well as in the districts. The settlement of TSMC as well as the known expansion of Infineon alone already mean 3,000 people - in addition, there are the leverage effects for the industry, which mean many times more people.

Where do you see the biggest challenges for the city of Dresden ?

The city is well prepared. However, it is now important to set the course for the next 10 to 20 years in terms of planning - and it makes sense for such planning to extend beyond the boundaries of the city alone. The framework conditions for the further necessary and expected influx must be further improved.

Intel in Magdeburg is also looking for people. How should Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt work together so as not to steal talent from each other?

For example, through joint appearances, especially outside Europe - by American standards, we are a territory. We will probably take a step in this direction next year with a joint appearance at Semicon West in San Francisco, incidentally also together with the Free State of Bavaria. First of all, it is important to draw attention abroad to the excellent working and living conditions, especially here in Central Germany - this also works very well together.

Why are the high subsidies of up to five billion euros justified?

In the global competition for production capacity, the industry receives subsidies primarily because of its strategic importance in the regions vying for capacity. You don't have to like that, but without these subsidies, the other locational advantages are unfortunately almost obsolete. It is like being the only one to compete in a race without doping, in which all the other competitors are doping. It can be assumed that this investment will be recouped in the medium term through direct and indirect tax revenues.