The author of ‘Chip War’ on the state of the fight
Mar 28, 2024
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Chris Miller, author of 'Chip War,' discusses the US semiconductor strategy vs. China, the impact of the Chips Act, Taiwan's success in chip manufacturing, US-China technological struggle, visionary leadership in the chip industry, and the evolution towards AI technology.
The Chips Act aims to revitalize US chip manufacturing, but may not fully secure domestic production chain.
US-China tech rivalry reflects historic divisions, sparking debates on fairness and concerns over Chinese competitiveness.
Deep dives
Impact of the Chips and Science Act on US Chip Manufacturing
The Chips and Science Act aims to rejuvenate US chip manufacturing through financial and tax incentives. While the $50 billion allocation seems substantial, compared to Taiwan's TSMC's $31 billion investment in a year, it appears moderate. The Act attempts to lessen reliance on Taiwan and China for chip supply, yet may fall short in providing a completely secure domestic chip production chain.
US Progress under the Chips and Science Act
The Chips Act has encouraged various firms to build new chip manufacturing plants in the US, catering to the high demand for advanced chips critical in AI. There is hope that these facilities will meet the needs for AI-related chips. By early stages of the Act, the focus is on constructing fab facilities, hinting at positive developments for the US chip industry.
Geostrategic Concerns and US-China Tech Relations
The US-China tech rift extends to export restrictions on chips, arousing debates on fairness and impacts on Chinese competitiveness. China's efforts to develop its chip industry raise concerns, with Biden administration contemplating further export controls. The evolving tech landscape mirrors historic divisions akin to the Cold War era, emphasizing the geostrategic implications of the US-China tech rivalry.
Chris Miller wrote the definitive book on microchips. Now, the author of “Chip War” joins guest host Phelim Kine to break down the U.S. strategy for becoming a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, and the implications for the country’s ever-complicated relationship with China.