- Information about Saxony Trade & Invest (Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen GmbH – WFS)
This organization is the public economic development agency of the Free State of Saxony in Germany. Saxony Trade & Invest promotes Saxony as a business location and advises potential investors comprehensively from the initial idea all the way to the implementation of their relocation projects. In addition, the WFS assists Saxony’s companies in achieving their export goals and initiates cooperation with companies located outside of Saxony. The objective is to open up new international markets for Saxony’s business community and to create new jobs in Saxony.
Saxony recognizes that microelectronics are one of the most important key technology ares for business and society. This was effectively showcased in early August, when the world’s largest chip manufacturer TSMC announced its decision to set up a chip factory for ten billion euros in Dresden together with Bosch, Infineon, and NXP. This helped Saxony reinforce and strengthen its position as Europe’s largest microelectronics cluster and at the same time establishing itself as a global semiconductor location in Europe alongside Asia and North America.
Strong industries form the backbone of Saxony as a business location. Whether mechanical engineering, the railroad industry, the healthcare sector or "Autoland Saxony" and "Silicon Saxony" - smart ideas and intelligent solutions have given rise to powerful industries. "Silicon Saxony" is Europe's largest ICT / microelectronics location. Every third chip produced in Europe is "Made in Saxony". Due to its advantageous geographic location in the middle of Europe, Saxony is the ideal location for every business. The location offers a secure environment, a reliable judicial system, highly attractive funding opportunities and a quick integration into a well-established global network.
The foundation for the successful development of the semiconductor industry was the comprehensive expertise and structure that was established in the former GDR already in the 1960s, long before the reunification, and that has been growing ever since.
“Silicon Saxony” unites a particularly multifaceted innovation landscape, a strong supplier base, and a high affinity towards technology under its roof and supported by internationally recognized clusters and business networks. This highly innovative ecosystem now comprises about 3,600 companies and some 81,000 employees. They work on every level of the microelectronics and ICT value chain, which is unique.
- Vibrant R&D Landscape and High Potential for Innovation
The high density of technologically oriented academic institutions, research and educational facilities has contributed significantly towards this success story as well. Four universities, five universities of applied sciences, nine Fraunhofer, three Leibniz, one Helmholtz, and two Max Planck institutes are active just in this field alone – and many of them are global leaders in their discipline. In addition, 25 educational facilities ensure and assure the qualification of young professionals in the technology and IT sectors.
- Cross-industry collaboration
The great innovative potential of the region is particularly evident in cross-industry collaboration actively pushing innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and medical technology.
Saxony has a long tradition of sustainability. The first written down idea of sustainability comes from Hans Carl von Carlowitz (1645-1714), the Saxon chief mining administrator from Freiberg, in 1713. In Germany the rules already take account of sustainable development and the greening of projects. In this way, the decarbonisation of European industry can also be achieved at a high level.
Scarcity in natural ressources always taught the people here to be creative with what they have and use the ressources with care and try to reuse them. Experts in Hydrology, Recycling and Waste Management made the region their home. TSMC’s origin – an island – also taught the company the same lesson. In their industry they claim to be leaders in most efficient processes meeting new targets in terms of lower power and water consumption. This will further push the region and since there is a long tradition in building semiconductors, their is competence network of utility providers who know how to deal properly and savely the critical substances the industry is dealing with.
- Demand for specialists and workers
Saxony has a high proportion – compared to other European countries – of highly qualified workers that the chip industry is very interested in and the highest number of engineering graduates in all of Germany. In addition, Saxony counts on the potential of Saxon repatriates, and plans to increasingly attract foreign and interregional professionals.
- Excellent social infrastructure
Saxony offers an attractive environment with a high quality of life – above all, for families. Affordable housing, numerous childcare facilities, a wide range of leisure activities. And an education system that is at the top of its class in Germany. Our social infrastructure enables the highest proportion of women to participate in the labour market in Germany.