Supply Chain Disruption: The U.S., China, Taiwan, and the Future Structure of the Global Semiconductor Industry

[hist78]

Supply Chain Disruption: The U.S., China, Taiwan, and the Future Structure of the Global Semiconductor Industry

Tuesday, October 04, 2022 12:30–1:45 p.m. (ET) | OnlineView recording of program Semiconductors have become the core building block technology supporting the fourth industrial revolution, including cutting edge fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, bioinformatics, and...

law.duke.edu

Semiconductors have become the core building block technology supporting the fourth industrial revolution, including cutting edge fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, bioinformatics, and advanced telecommunications. The supply chain that underpins the global semiconductor industry entered a period of significant disruption as a result of the Covid global pandemic and dramatic changes in the nature of China’s technology relations with the U.S. and its allies. What was once a seemingly steadily growing, mutually beneficial relationship has developed into a competitive environment. China has stepped up its overall efforts to promote greater technological self-reliance in this critical sector, and the U.S. has pursued policies designed to diminish China’s access across multiple elements of the semiconductor industry. And the recent tensions between the U.S. and China over Taiwan have added a new layer of complexity. TSMC is the world's most advanced chip manufacturer, and actions against Taiwan would raise significant questions about the island’s continued central role within the global supply chain for semiconductors.

In light of these recent developments, and the recent enactment of the CHIPS Act, the Center for Innovation Policy at Duke Law and the Sanford Cyber Policy Program will host a series of events on the policy issues surrounding semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain. The first such event will be a webinar on October 4 from 12:30pm to 1:45pm EDT via zoom that will bring together two experts on the evolving structure and operation of the supply chain for the semiconductor industry. They will address key questions, such as: What impact will US actions to limit China's access to technology have on China's competitive position with respect to semiconductors vis-à-vis the U.S. and the rest of the world? What impact will the U.S. CHIPS Act have? What possible developments are most likely to dramatically alter the semiconductor industry including the role of Taiwan and TSMC? How should we understand the long-term trajectory of the semiconductor industry, particularly with respect to the U.S., China, and Taiwan.

 

[hist78]

It has a very good panel to discuss the semiconductor industry, US China relationship, Chips Act, and export control. It's a rare event we can hear a senior TSMC representative to talk about TSMC's point of view.

 

[Paul2]

I doubt that musing of law school professors have any bearing on the actual state of affairs in manufacturing.

The fourth industrial revolution is a think-tank-borne abstract concept which doesn't exist in reality. Artificial intelligence is a fraud. Quantung computing haven't beared a single practical computer. Robotics is fine with even 30 years old level of computing performance. And I think only telecom relies on constant process improvements to advance.

dramatic changes in the nature of China’s technology relations with the U.S. and its allies.

And very one sided at that. Mainland's technology policy been without change for the last 20 years. Only US changed it's stance few years ago, after taking 20 years to come to realisation of the mistake.

recent tensions between the U.S. and China over Taiwan have added a new layer of complexity.

Taiwan had double digit of semiconductor manufacturing volume for decades, and Taiwan been China's target for decades. There been absolutely no change in PRC's stance towards Taiwan.