Semiconductor jobs and technologies have been instrumental in transforming societies since the dawn of chip manufacturing six decades ago. As these tiny silicon wonders became ubiquitous in product innovations, their continuous development and availability became crucial. The semiconductor industry stands as one of the most research-intensive sectors, requiring constant innovation to maintain a competitive edge in design and manufacturing. Ireland, with its thriving semiconductor cluster, is a testament to the success of strategic industrial policies. As the European Union (EU) prepares to introduce the Chips Act, Ireland's semiconductor sector is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the EU's strategic autonomy and remaining a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.