AESEMI was founded with one premise: to provide the semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystem with a specific forum to discuss, collaborate and work together to improve the ecosystem. Today, almost 3 years after the first conversation about the creation of this project, and with almost 80 members, we can say that we are on the right track.
Like all processes, the beginnings are slow and tedious. After a few months of intense work following the founding act, the operational structures of AESEMI took shape in July 2022, when I became the manager of AESEMI. It was a unique moment when we had a blank canvas to design what we wanted to be, and for all of us to participate in the process. We designed a strategy that ranged from communication to purely legal aspects, or to the relationship profile we had to adopt with the different administrations, and we got down to work with the implementation.
AESEMI started this process with 12 members. At the time of writing this article we are already 79 (although we are sure that in the publication it will already be outdated), and with the view to reach the hundred in 2025 to become a reference cluster at European level. We are active members of the main European associations and alliances, and we are gradually gaining relevance outside our continent. That strategy worked, and how well it worked.
As fundamental aspects of that process that still accompany us today: the lightness when making decisions, the transversality and openness to participation, the direct involvement of public entities, the strong support to administrative action -with healthy criticism when necessary-, or the structuring of the ecosystem from the base. All of these are part of the association’s DNA, and we are determined to maintain them as a sign of identity.
Growth, however, brings with it many challenges. AESEMI must consolidate its position in the national industrial and associative fabric, and continue working on its relationship framework. We have mechanisms that allow us to collaborate with many other entities, but it is necessary to continue advancing along this path. The complexity of our sector requires it, because there are battles that we cannot and should not fight alone.
We must also work on many other aspects, such as the ongoing analysis of our members’ needs in order to provide them with more useful services in their day-to-day lives. Examples such as the services launched this year are good, as evidenced by the successful cases of collaborations through the partner search service or the launch of the Partners Directory, or the interest aroused by the specific mailings of international activity or incentives, which, however, surely still have room for improvement. We must also make progress in creating transparent information spaces where we can facilitate cooperation and collaboration as much as possible, and much more.
Our future is exciting, and I hope that we are able to transmit this passion to all those around us. I cannot end this brief reflection on the work done without some thanks. First, to all the members, collaborators and friends of AESEMI, because you have made possible the success we are celebrating today. Second, to those 12 members who bet on a young association and despite the uncertainty decided to commit themselves and work to design what AESEMI is today. The third, to the internal team, who every day do the impossible to make this project a reality. And fourth, surely the most important, to the founding members, for their generosity, commitment and vision, because the most difficult task is undoubtedly to have the courage to turn an idea into reality.
To all of you, thank you, and keep up the good work!