Multimedia optimisation and demonstration for education in microelectronics (MODEM): a new European microelectronics telematics based educational initiative

Human capital is now generally accepted as the main limiting factor to growth in the microelectronics sector. To remain competitive in world markets, European industry must have access to an educated workforce in key enabling technologies such as electronic mater!ials science, device physics, ULS processing and microelectronics systems design. The objective of this paper i,s to present an overview of a new European Union Telematics Application Programme educational initiative in microelectronics; the Multimedia Optimisation and Demonstration for Education in Microelectronics (MODEM) project. 1. Project motivation High technology industries are critically dependant on both a high level R&D spend and an educated workforce for the development of new products which will ensure continued success in world markets. In particular, microelectronics and advanced silicon semiconductor technology will be the key to many future market opportunities for a wide range of European industries. As a consequence of this large and rapidly growing market, the total European industrial investment in new integrated circuit fabrication factories during the three ye:ars to 1996 was 2.3 billion ECU. However, to remain competitive, Europe must also ensure access to an educated workforce in key enabling technologies. These include electronic materials science, device physics, ULSI processing and microelectronics systems design. In European as in recent US studies [l], human capital is now recognised as the limiting factor to growth in the microelectronics sector. The European Material Research Society (E-MRS) workshop on “Advanced Materials Education” held in Strasbourg in May 1994 [2] provided a focal point for discussion of these needs. It particular, the workshop highlighted the fact that whilst there already exists considerable microelectronics multimedia content on web O-8186-7996-4/97 $10.00