Learnovate plays key role in new diversity project for EU semiconductor sector

Posted on: 02 September 2024

The Learnovate Centre in Trinity College Dublin is one of three Irish organisations playing a key role in a €1.5 million EU initiative to lower the barrier to participation in the European semiconductor sector for women and other under-represented groups.

EudaOrg co-founder and CEO, Nessa Maguire (left), with Learnovate Centre Director, Nessa McEniff. 

The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) project brings together a consortium of 11 partner organisations from industry and education with the aim of helping the sector retain and grow its existing workforce by developing a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across its entire value chain.

Alongside partners from Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France, and Slovakia, the Erasmus+ co-funded project - which was launched in April this year - is supported by three Irish organisations – Learnovate, a learning technology research centre in Trinity College Dublin; EudaOrg, a DEI consultancy and software provider; and MIDAS, an industry-led cluster that also includes educational, research and government agencies.

The three-year ECDA project will run in three stages. The first, data collection and analysis, will facilitate the second-stage development of a DEI suite of training and operational tools. In the final stage, the training tools will be trialled in industry settings, leading to the establishment of DEI leadership and mentorship programmes.

Learnovate are global experts in learning technology helping organisations navigate the complexity of the evolving future of work and learning. Based at Trinity College Dublin, Learnovate helps organisations transform learning experiences in the workplace, schools, universities, and at home. It has led more than ten years of research in learning technologies.

Learnovate's primary role in ECDA is to contribute to the development, validation and quality control of training topics and learning content around DEI in the semiconductor sector. Learnovate will also facilitate a structured and innovative approach to establishing learner journey maps, so the experience of all learning stakeholders is captured and enhanced where necessary.

EudaOrg is a member organisation of Learnovate. Founded in 2021 by psychologists and experts in organisational change Nessa Maguire and Allison Kuschel, EudaOrg provides consultancy and advisory services in DEI to commercial companies and delivers sectoral assessments. EudaOrg also offers software packages that allow companies of all sizes to take DEI assessments and develop action plans to implement effective data-driven DEI policies.

EudaOrg’s role in ECDA is to conduct surveys and interviews with executives and other senior leaders within the European semiconductor industry. The findings of these interviews will later inform the development of the suite of DEI training tools.

Semiconductors, or chips, are fundamental components in all electronic products. The availability of semiconductors is vital to the continued viability of almost all industries, including cars, communications, manufacturing, data processing, space, defence, smart devices, gaming, and many more.

Talent attraction and retention remains a challenge in the EU chips sector, with skills shortages creating additional pressures in terms of maintaining supply and global competitiveness. Researchers believe that widening access to the sector for women, ethnic minorities and those with disabilities, and bridging the distance between university and the workplace, will help satisfy industry demands.

Learnovate Centre Director Nessa McEniff (pictured above on right) said:  “The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) project represents an exciting opportunity for Learnovate and EudaOrg, one of our member organisations, to play a central role in futureproofing a key sector in the European economy. All sectors are affected by skills shortages, and issues around retention and recruitment of staff, but very few sectors are so fundamental to the continued functioning of our everyday lives. We are excited to work with our partners on the ECDA and look forward to seeing its results throughout the project’s three-year term.”

EudaOrg co-founder and CEO Nessa Maguire (pictured above on left) said: “We are delighted to be involved in ECDA as it drives positive impact in the semiconductor sector. Through ECDA’s collaboration with the sector and focus on understanding the sector’s needs and challenges, it is an exciting opportunity to drive meaningful action over the coming years. Diversity, equity, and inclusion is a crucial element in addressing talent shortages in the sector and ensuring a resilient and strong sector in Europe.”

EudaOrg co-founder Allison Kuschel said: “By welcoming diverse perspectives and fostering inclusive environments, we are creating opportunities for further innovation. I see embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sector as an opportunity to not only supercharge business outcomes but also as an opportunity to attract top talent and build a dynamic workforce for today and the future.”

President of SEMI Europe Laith Altimime said: “The European Chips Diversity Alliance is a momentous endeavour with participation not only from companies, but also academia and social organisations to propel our industry forward.”

• Tags:
• Innovation
• Research
• Society