The director of the IMB-CNM appears before Parliament to discuss technological sovereignty

The director of the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Luis Fonseca, appeared before the Catalan Parliament’s Committee on Research and Universities on October 13. Fonseca reported on the institute’s strategic priorities, the national and international context of microelectronics, and the challenges associated with technological sovereignty. The appearance underscores the institutional recognition of the IMB-CNM as a leading player in this key field.

During his remarks, Fonseca highlighted the role of microelectronics as an essential enabling technology for strategic sectors such as healthcare, communications, mobility, energy, and security. He also emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s research, development, and manufacturing capabilities to ensure greater technological autonomy in an increasingly competitive global landscape. In this context, the director discussed the IMB-CNM’s alignment with the European Chips Act and its participation in three European pilot initiatives to strengthen the technology ecosystem: PIXEurope for the development of photonics, APECS for heterogeneous integration, and SPINS for quantum technology.

The Commission inquired about the IMB-CNM's involvement in the Innofab project, which is currently under development; the status of the Clean Room expansion, co-funded by the Generalitat’s Department of Research and Universities and the European Union (the 2021–2027 ERDF Program for Catalonia); and the challenges in attracting and retaining talent.

The hearing took place during a session of the Committee on Research and Universities, chaired by Pere Lluís Huguet Tous. The day also included several hearings before other parliamentary committees related to research, innovation, childhood, and the implementation of Catalonia’s Rural Agenda.

_{Pictures credit: Parlament de Catalunya. 2026.}