emilia franco
As global demand for semiconductors accelerates and is predicted to reach $1 trillion by 2030, Arizona State University, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, will host a Government Leaders Forum to discuss the challenges in building a resilient semiconductor supply chain. and dealt with the occasion.
The three-day forum, held Nov. 18-20 on ASU’s Tempe campus, convened leaders from Costa Rica, Vietnam, and the Philippines to focus on workforce development and support for Allied Assembly, Testing, and Packaging (ATP). ) Discussed strategies to strengthen capacity.
The conference is part of the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) project funded through CHIPS and Science Act 2022, which aims to diversify semiconductor supply chains while strengthening workforce capabilities in key partner countries. That’s what I’m aiming for.
“That’s why over the past several years, we’ve worked hard to re-establish or promote the U.S. semiconductor industry to create jobs in places like Arizona, Texas, Ohio and New York,” said Deputy Secretary of State. Robert Garverick said. Assistant Secretary for Trade Policy, U.S. Department of State.
“However, we recognize that we cannot do every aspect of the semiconductor supply chain. This is a very complex system and in that sense, we are working with trusted partners and allies. We would like to build some of our partnerships overseas.”
Arizona is playing a key role in this effort. Home to major semiconductor manufacturers such as Intel and TSMC, the state has established itself as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and research. With a track record of leadership in public-private partnerships and semiconductor education, ASU combines Arizona’s expertise in front-end manufacturing, such as wafer fabrication, with the ATP process developed by international partners.
“In Arizona, we are building the capacity and expertise to not only secure the back end of our supply chain, but also support the global growth of this industry,” said Jeff Goss, Principal Investigator of the ITSI Program. states.
The ITSI Workforce Accelerator program is the cornerstone of the project and will address critical labor shortages in partner countries. Costa Rica, Vietnam and the Philippines have already launched ambitious efforts to train tens of thousands of people. Costa Rica’s program aims to engage more than 9,000 participants in teacher certifications and training courses, while Vietnam and the Philippines each aim to upskill more than 16,000 workers and help them in global supply chains. The company plans to strengthen its position.
“Semiconductors are not just a technological necessity; they are the foundation of economic growth,” said Indiana Trejos, Costa Rica’s deputy foreign minister. “This partnership with ASU will ensure that our employees have the skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the semiconductor industry and establish Costa Rica as a leader in technological innovation.”
Industry insights presented during the forum emphasized the importance of collaboration. Mary Thornton, vice president of global policy at the Semiconductor Industry Association, highlighted the challenges of supply chain centralization and the urgent need to develop resilient alternatives.
“The global semiconductor market is worth billions of dollars, but key capabilities remain concentrated in a few regions,” Thornton said. “Through the ITSI project, we will foster collaboration that will ensure a diverse, secure and robust supply chain for decades to come.”
The Government Leaders Forum also set the stage for the next phase of ITSI. ITSI plans to expand with kickoff events in Mexico, Panama, and Indonesia in early 2025. These countries will participate in initiatives that strengthen semiconductor workforce development and support ATP capabilities, furthering ITSI’s mission to diversify global supply chains.
“This forum is a milestone in a larger journey,” Goss said. “By working together and collaborating across borders, we are building the foundation for a resilient semiconductor future that benefits both the United States and our global partners.”
