Amid an evolving geopolitical landscape and increasing pressures on global supply chains, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) convened the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership Forum in Taipei on May 23. This high-profile event, which attracted over 700 industry and government leaders, was positioned as a critical dialogue under Taiwan’s initiative to fortify semiconductor partnerships within democratic frameworks. With themes centred on innovation, security, resilience, and prosperity, the forum aimed to address fundamental challenges facing the semiconductor industry and its interconnected supply chains.
President Lai Ching-te stressed the imperative for democracies to unite in the wake of destabilising practices like dumping, advocating for a collaborative approach to strengthen and secure the semiconductor supply chain. He highlighted Taiwan’s readiness to be a pivotal force in technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, and elucidated the government’s commitment to fostering industrial innovation through supportive policies, financial incentives, and infrastructural developments, such as new data centres and supercomputers.
Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-Huei Kuo further accentuated Taiwan’s crucial position within the global semiconductor ecosystem. He encouraged international supply chain partners to consider investing in Taiwan, aiming to co-develop value chains while exploring emerging markets. Kuo reiterated that Taiwan would collaborate closely with allied democracies to set up self-regulating market mechanisms that reinforce trust in semiconductor supply chains. He underscored the importance of bolstering cross-border talent initiatives designed to create synergies between Taiwan’s skilled semiconductor workforce and global partners, thereby enhancing competitiveness.
Speaking at the forum, Edwin Liu, President of ITRI, elaborated on the strategic significance of semiconductors in the current global economic climate. He pointed to the deeply interdependent nature of supply chains, asserting that ITRI would focus on niche markets and drive crucial technology innovations. Liu expressed a commitment to cultivating global partnerships that would enhance supply chain transparency, cybersecurity, and flexibility. “Our goal is to build an open, inclusive semiconductor ecosystem where all partners can create value and share in the success,” he stated.
The collaboration ethos was echoed by representatives from various nations. Jeremy Cornforth, Deputy Director at the American Institute in Taiwan, highlighted the enduring US-Taiwanese relationship in the high-tech sector, emphasising mutual investments aimed at reinforcing supply chain resilience and technology security. Simultaneously, Kazuyuki Katayama, Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, advocated for a comprehensive global collaboration strategy, integrating Japan’s and Europe’s expertise in materials and machinery, the U.S.’s design innovations, and Taiwan’s manufacturing prowess.
Lutz Güllner, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office, reiterated the EU’s commitment to deepening its ties with Taiwan, recognising the latter as a vital and trusted partner in securing resilient semiconductor supply chains and developing robust AI infrastructure. This collaboration is underscored by significant investments, including TSMC’s operations in Germany and Foxconn’s partnerships with European firms across industries.
Amidst these global dialogues, Ruth Bradley-Jones from the British Office Taipei reiterated the UK’s focus on partnerships aimed at advancing semiconductor and AI innovation while developing the necessary policy frameworks for resilient supply chains. Matthijs van der Hoorn, Deputy Representative at the Netherlands Office Taipei, reiterated the inherently global nature of the semiconductor industry, emphasising the necessity for collaborative approaches to overcome industry challenges.
The forum also addressed Taiwan’s proactive strategies for enhancing supply chain resilience. Discussions included fostering deeper collaboration with like-minded nations, increasing investment in Taiwan’s burgeoning semiconductor sector, and establishing derisking mechanisms. Notably, panels explored the pressing need to cultivate talent across educational levels to meet the demands of both advanced and mature semiconductor technologies.
As stakeholders navigated the complexities of restructuring and regionalisation in the semiconductor landscape, Akira Amari, Honorary Chair of Japan’s Parliamentary Association for Semiconductor Strategy, concluded by advocating for the Taiwan-Japan alliance as a blueprint for other countries seeking to build secure, resilient semiconductor supply chains, thus ensuring stable industrial and economic development.
In summary, the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership Forum emerged as a vital platform for fostering cooperation and collaboration among democratic nations, all aimed at navigating and bolstering the resilience of a sector that is increasingly central to global economic stability and technological advancement.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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