Me, Myself, and AI Feed Drop: MIT CSAIL Alliances Podcast
Jul 15, 2025
Chris Miller, a professor of international history at Tufts University and author of "Chip War," joins to discuss the intricate dynamics of global chip manufacturing. He sheds light on the historical evolution of semiconductors and the pivotal role of Taiwan's TSMC in the industry. Miller also highlights the competitive challenges faced by American tech firms against China's rising influence. The podcast dives into the implications of U.S. immigration policies on retaining talent in an innovatively fierce AI environment.
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Episode notes
Jerry Sanders' 'Real Men Have Fabs'
- Jerry Sanders, AMD co-founder, symbolized an era valuing owning manufacturing fabs.
- He believed real chip companies needed their own complex manufacturing facilities, linking identity with fabs.
Transformation of Chip Industry
- Chip manufacturing evolved from integrated design and manufacturing to specialized design and outsourced manufacturing.
- This shift enabled efficiency but created regional dependencies and risks in supply chains.
TSMC's Critical Global Role
- Taiwan's TSMC dominates advanced chip manufacturing with unique scale and technology.
- This dominance creates global economic vulnerabilities due to concentration in one region.
