Global Chamber® Semiconductor Summit: Success
The 4th Annual Global Chamber® Semiconductor Summit brought together experts, innovators, and leaders from the global semiconductor industry to discuss the sector's rapid growth, ongoing challenges, and the strategic collaborations shaping its future. The fourth annual event, held virtually, focused on key regions including North America and Asia, highlighting the critical role of workforce development, industry partnerships, and advanced manufacturing. We spent an hour with global icon Stan Shih of Acer, TSMC and Stan Shih Foundation - watch that important conversation HERE.
Expanding Global Reach
Doug Bruhnke, CEO of Global Chamber®, welcomed attendees to the summit, which offered a unique dual-focus agenda: North America in the first half of the day and Asia in the second. In his opening remarks, Doug spoke about the ongoing commitment by Global Chamber® to connecting businesses globally and facilitating collaboration between major corporations and smaller startups, a crucial effort to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem.
Eduardo Gonzalez, chair of the Global Chamber® Phoenix Advisory Board, shared his excitement about expanding the reach of Global Chamber® to benefit small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). He emphasized the importance of fostering a robust international network and leveraging the expertise of members from across the world. Eduardo also underscored the significant role of Thunderbird School of Global Management to global initiatives and Global Chamber.
Arizona: The Heart of U.S. Semiconductor Growth
A key session during the summit focused on the semiconductor boom in Arizona.. Matt Salmon, ASU Global Executive and former U.S. Representative, and Kyle Squires, Dean of the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), discussed how Arizona has become a crucial player in the semiconductor supply chain, with more than 40 companies expanding or relocating to the state, creating 16,000 new jobs.
ASU has been at the center of this transformation, providing the talent and innovation needed to support the growing sector. With 33,000 students, 77 degree programs, and over 600 faculty members, ASU is helping to close the talent gap by training engineers, computer scientists, and technologists essential to the semiconductor industry. Additionally, ASU’s College of Engineering has launched new programs, such as the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, to ensure Arizona’s workforce is equipped to meet future demands.
One of the key highlights of ASU’s involvement is its support for TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), which has established a massive $12 billion facility in Arizona, further cementing the state’s position as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.
Workforce Development and Talent Shortages
The semiconductor industry’s rapid expansion has led to significant challenges, particularly around talent shortages. Robert Quinn, a semiconductor industry influencer, shared his personal journey from high school dropout to senior engineer and underscored the importance of diversifying the talent pool. He emphasized the need for a sustainable, skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for chips in sectors such as AI, data centers, and automotive manufacturing. Robert also discussed the importance of ensuring a diversified supply chain, especially in areas like rare earth magnets, which are vital to semiconductor manufacturing. He called for initiatives that train the next generation of workers to meet the sector's evolving demands and contribute to the industry's resilience.
AGENDA
An unprecedented and historic line-up of extraordinary global speakers were part of the Semiconductor Summit HERE.
Key Takeaways from the Summit
- Arizona is emerging as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, supported by significant investments from companies like TSMC and Intel.
- Workforce development is essential for sustaining the industry’s growth, with ASU playing a central role in training engineers and technologists.
- The CHIPS Act and export controls are pivotal to securing U.S. interests and reshaping the future of semiconductor manufacturing in North America.
- Global Chamber, Plug-and-Play and other organizations are helping foster innovation and driving advancements in semiconductors and related technologies.
- Chihuahua, Mexico is making strides as a growing player in North America's semiconductor industry, leveraging its proximity to U.S. manufacturing centers and its strong labor force. Other parts of the world are contributing to the global industry.
Conclusion
The Global Chamber Semiconductor Summit provided a comprehensive look into the dynamic world of semiconductor manufacturing. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and workforce development in shaping the future of the industry. With continued investments and strategic partnerships, regions like Arizona and Chihuahua are positioning themselves at the forefront of this critical sector, ensuring that the semiconductor supply chain remains strong and resilient on a global scale.
Global Chamber® is a global platform and growing community of CEOs, executives, investors and leaders across over 525 chapters that inspires action to improve our world and that strategically connects members anywhere for sustainable success. The Global Chamber® platform facilitates strategic connections that make doing business across regions as easy as doing business across the street. Be global and UNSTOPPABLE!
Global Chamber® is a registered trademark of Global Chamber, LLC since 2014.
