The semiconductor industry has grown at a breathtaking pace in recent years. As the demand for semiconductors rises rapidly, so does the need for skilled professionals, further intensifying competition for talent with key skills.

Over the last couple of years, the research field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made impressive progress. Automated translation services, voice-controlled digital assistants, self-driving cars, world-class algorithms and other novelties have long made it to headlines – and our homes.

Nothing is more important than ensuring that our employees return home safe and sound every day. As a member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, I take this responsibility very seriously.

Global pandemics, supply chain bottlenecks, a war in Europe – previously unimaginable worst-case scenarios have become reality. Our politicians are talking about the dawn of a new era. History is at a turning point.

These days, every company needs to include sustainability in its business strategy. Overcoming global challenges requires top innovation performance from everyone. At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we have set ourselves specific sustainability goals for shaping a more livable future.

Mobile devices with flexible displays: Multiple manufacturers of mobile communication devices have already announced them, and others have followed at the Mobile World Congress (MCW) in Barcelona last week.

Digitalization is transforming not only our lives, but also the world of work. Digital literacy training and continuing education are therefore more important than ever.

2021 was a year of extremes for the semiconductor and electronics industry. On the one hand, demand for chips has never been higher. On the other hand, the Covid-19 pandemic has shaken global supply chains so hard that semiconductors have become a scarce commodity and will remain so in the future.

The coronavirus has already kept us in suspense for one and a half years. Apart from personal sacrifices and blows of fate, this pandemic has revealed weak points in society, politics and business, both globally as well as in Europe and Germany.

More data, more powerful chips. These days, semiconductors are at the heart of the technologies we all use at work and at home. Chips have become incredibly complex, and this is revolutionizing the way in which semiconductor companies approach chip design.