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Building Semiconductor Capabilities in Developing Economies
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Semiconductor Economics
Abstract
It is not an inaccurate saying that modern industry and scientific progress are largely underpinned by semiconductors. These increasingly nano sized inventions are in fact underestimated in our modern thought and popular culture. Known but barely understood by developing nations and economies, it remains a singular pillar that rests on many years of previous scientific and technological ingenuity that enables our modern world function. The capital intensity, knowledge complexity, geo-strategic pressures of semiconductor manufacturing keep most developing economies on the demand side of the value chain OECD, 2025; Semiconductor Industry Association [SIA], 2025). I seek to analyze in practical and simple terms the interrelationship between semiconductor manufacturing and development challenges; mapping the semiconductor value chain and its possible entry points; the economic, technical, organizational and macro-economic barriers. I seek to propose a staged approach to formulating a strategy for beginning and scaling semiconductor capabilities. I hope that at the end of this analysis, a practical tool kit, risk controls and measurable milestones can be adapted and tailored for beginning or even scaling semiconductor manufacturing participation for resource constrained environments.
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1711170,
author = {Olatunbosun Alake},
title = {Building Semiconductor Capabilities in Developing Economies},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {407-413},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1711170.pdf},
abstract = {It is not an inaccurate saying that modern industry and scientific progress are largely underpinned by semiconductors. These increasingly nano sized inventions are in fact underestimated in our modern thought and popular culture. Known but barely understood by developing nations and economies, it remains a singular pillar that rests on many years of previous scientific and technological ingenuity that enables our modern world function. The capital intensity, knowledge complexity, geo-strategic pressures of semiconductor manufacturing keep most developing economies on the demand side of the value chain OECD, 2025; Semiconductor Industry Association [SIA], 2025). I seek to analyze in practical and simple terms the interrelationship between semiconductor manufacturing and development challenges; mapping the semiconductor value chain and its possible entry points; the economic, technical, organizational and macro-economic barriers. I seek to propose a staged approach to formulating a strategy for beginning and scaling semiconductor capabilities. I hope that at the end of this analysis, a practical tool kit, risk controls and measurable milestones can be adapted and tailored for beginning or even scaling semiconductor manufacturing participation for resource constrained environments.},
month = {October},
}