Governments, large technology companies, new start-ups, etc…. Everyone wants a piece of the chip business, since they are clear about its importance for the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). And when a business is very very large, a small percentage of it is also a very large figure.
The USA, Europe, Japan, China, etc…. All countries provide financial aid so that chip manufacturing companies can install manufacturing and development plants in their territories, and the biggest beneficiaries will be the leading companies in chip technology such as TSMC, nVidia, Intel, and others.
After more than 50 years of handing over part of the manufacturing of products to Asian countries (China in particular), some are now discovering how good it is to have the manufacturing of certain products that can become critical in their own country.
Today, the world is witnessing a new arms race, but instead of tanks and missiles, the protagonists are semiconductors, better known as chips. These tiny components, essential for modern electronics, have become the new geopolitical battlefield, unleashing fierce competition between countries and companies to ensure their control and production.
Various factors have converged to unleash this "chip fever." The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains, especially in critical sectors such as technology. Rising demand for electronic devices, driven by remote work, online education and digital entertainment, exacerbated the chip shortage, impacting industries from automotive to home appliances.
However, the real reason behind this battle for chip manufacturing supremacy lies in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Experts agree that AI is the disruptive technology of the 21st century, with the potential to radically transform society and the economy. And chips, like the brain of any smart device, are fundamental to its development.
In this context, dependence on a single country or region for the production of such a strategic component is increasingly considered a threat to national and economic security. The United States, for example, has watched with concern as its dominance in chip manufacturing has eroded in recent decades, with Asia, particularly Taiwan and South Korea, emerging as new leaders.
This awareness has driven a series of government initiatives to encourage local chip production. The Biden administration has allocated billions of dollars in subsidies and tax credits to attract investment in the semiconductor industry, while the European Union seeks to reduce its dependence on Asia with an ambitious plan to double its market share in global chip production. by 2030.
China, for its part, has been investing heavily in its semiconductor industry for years as part of its strategy to become a world leader in technology. Japan, another major player in the past, is also redoubling its efforts to regain its position in the market.
This war for chips has the potential to redraw the global geopolitical and economic map. Companies that manage to master the most advanced chip manufacturing technology will have a significant strategic advantage, not only in the consumer electronics market, but also in key sectors such as defense, energy and biotechnology.
However, building a robust and competitive semiconductor industry is no easy task. It requires massive investments, highly qualified labor and an ecosystem of world-class suppliers and research centers. Competition to attract talent and investment will be fierce, and only those countries that manage to create the right conditions will be able to reap the benefits of this new technological revolution.. And this will be going on for many years.
In short, the battle over chips is not just a trade dispute, it is a fight for global technological leadership. The result will have profound implications for the economy, security and the balance of power in the 21st century.
Will we ever learn from our mistakes?
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