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For over half a century geopolitics has been defined by the location of oil reserves. However, as we venture deeper into the 21st century, a new maxim ‘data is the new oil’ has emerged, reflecting the escalating significance of technology in fields ranging from national security and infrastructure to finance and the global economy. This shift, mirrored in initiatives like COP28’s focus on technological solutions for climate change, underscores technology’s expanding role in shaping global dynamics, similar to how oil once dominated geopolitical strategies.
As a result, many believe that the location of technology supply chains and semiconductor manufacturing sites will redefine the landscape over the next 50 years. A belief President Biden underscored at the 2021 White House Chip Summit, where he held up a silicon wafer and proclaimed, “This is infrastructure.”, before passing the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 – emphasizing the strategic importance semiconductors are and will continue to play.
Biden’s acknowledgment reflects a forward-looking vision where the manufacturing and innovation of semiconductors are not merely industrial activities but acts of shaping the future. National security, economic vitality, and the very pace of human progress now pivot on the axis of semiconductor technology, making it a crucial playing ground for both businesses and governments alike, looking for that next generation technology advantage.
While the last few years have seen the industry affected by geopolitical issues, impacting supply chains and access to resources, these challenges have catalyzed a strategic shift within the industry, prompting companies to adopt nearshoring measures and other resilience-building strategies, which have already contributed to a return to growth in 2023. As a result, 2024 is primed to continue this growth trajectory with market expectations projecting a surge of more than 20%, reaching $633 billion by the end of the year.
This resurgence has also led companies to reposition themselves strategically to capitalize on the benefits of this upward trend and establish dominance in a sector that’s increasingly crucial to geopolitical and economic success.
Leading companies are already adapting to this new market dynamic. Intel is investing in new manufacturing facilities and chip technologies, Micron is committing $40 billion to US manufacturing, and NVIDIA is advancing in AI and deep learning chip development. However, while the semiconductor industry attempts to capitalize on these opportunities, it faces challenges like a global talent shortage, rapid technological changes, shifting supply chain dynamics, and high costs of building manufacturing plants.
Added to this, the growth in sectors such as automotive, data centers, and aerospace has introduced additional complexities to the industry, with each needing unique semiconductor demand profiles and technology requirements resulting in divergent manufacturing technology roadmaps. This has led to increasing design complexity, simulation, and testing processes – all of which are further adding to the industry’s challenges.
The talent shortage is another significant hurdle with skilled worker demand far surpassing supply, with over one million additional skilled workers needed by 2030. According to Deloitte, this far exceeds the current number of U.S. electrical engineering and computer science graduates needed to fill it. Again this is an area Intel has already started to make headway in through its $100 million investment to expand semiconductor education, research and workforce training opportunities across the US.
In the fast-paced and competitive semiconductor sector, standing out requires more than technical expertise. Clear and strategic communication will be crucial, especially as companies navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and adapt to industry trends like nearshoring and supply chain disruptions.
Success will hinge on the ability to clearly articulate a company’s leadership in innovation and research development making it essential to demystify complex technical information, and ensuring it’s accessible and relevant to a broad audience that includes policymakers, investors, and the general public.
Moreover, given the industry’s significant role in economic growth and its resource-intensive operations, integrating sustainability and corporate responsibility into communication strategies is vital. This approach will not only align with societal and environmental values but also enhance corporate reputation.
With product roadmaps becoming increasingly specialized, the importance of targeted communication will also grow as a customized communication strategy will help ensure that a company’s innovations effectively reach and resonate with specific market segments; while robust communication will remain a powerful tool for attracting top talent, another key factor in driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge.
As the industry continues to grow and adapt, particularly in response to geopolitical pressures and the shift toward nearshoring, there lies a unique opportunity for fast-starting companies to build a ‘moat’ around their business. This moat, built through differentiated communication strategies, can secure a competitive advantage, creating a space where innovation, talent, and market leadership converge.
As experts in a highly complex industry, semiconductor companies have a unique opportunity to take a bold approach, clearly articulating their views and opinions on what the industry needs to succeed. By utilizing their communication platforms to inform and influence government and policy makers, these companies can not only contribute to broader economic growth but also establish themselves as thought leaders and key influencers in the industry’s future.
Ultimately, success in the semiconductor industry will hinge on more than just technical capabilities; it will depend on the power of communication to build connections, inspire innovation, and lead the way forward.
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