Highlights 2025 Semicon 53 – 53 “Chip production is extremely highly automated and requires innovative automation.” Frank Bösenberg Interview//Chips are the driving force behind progress in all areas of life. They may be mostly invisible and hidden, but their computing power is huge. The Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are giving the semiconductor market an enormous growth spurt. In this interview, Frank Bösenberg, Managing Director of Silicon Saxony e.V., and Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, give an insight into the world of semiconductors and their outlook on groundbreaking developments. The role of automation cannot be underestimated. » Mr. Bösenberg, semiconductors are master performers in all areas of life. What significance does the chip industry have for the global economy? Frank Bösenberg: The chip industry is a strategic industry for many other sectors of the economy and their value creation. The ratio of the impact of chips on other industries and economic sectors is said to be one to fifty. This means that one euro in chip production generates up to 50 euros in further added value. » The semiconductor market is very special. What makes it so special and what growth can be expected in the future? Bösenberg: The special thing is that not all chips are the same. If you look at chips for smartphones, tablets and the like, their innovation development is subject to very short cycles. Chips for the automotive industry, on the other hand, must be designed to last for years and decades. The global chip market is currently expected to grow by six to eight percent annually across all segments. The global market volume is expected to double to up to one trillion dollars by the end of the decade. » A few years ago, there were massive problems with the supply chains in the semiconductor industry. What were the causes and are we immune to them now? Bösenberg: All chip plants worldwide run 24/7. Capacity fluctuations are very difficult to compensate for. The entire production period for processing the chip front end and back end takes about six months. Chip production also requires a large number of materials. We have a highly diversified and globalized value chain that is tightly intertwined. If there is a disruption in one area of the semiconductor value chain for geopolitical or geophysical reasons, this affects the entire network. This is still the case today. From Silicon Saxony ... Frank Bösenberg is Managing Director of Silicon Saxony e.V., the largest microelectronics cluster in Europe. www.silicon-saxony.de Photo: Tommy Halfter
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzczNDE0