Title on the brink of significant alteration

Title on the brink of significant alteration

In the era of digitalisation, artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding its role across various sectors, and microelectronics is no exception. Gulnara Khasyanova, Director General of the "Mikron" Plant, has shed light on the strategies and challenges faced by countries new to the microelectronics industry in their pursuit of technological sovereignty.

Strategies for Achieving Technological Sovereignty

1. Development of Domestic Production Capabilities: Investing in local manufacturing infrastructure to produce advanced microelectronics and establishing state-of-the-art fabrication facilities (fabs) and supporting industries for semiconductor processing are key steps towards self-reliance.
2. Building a Robust Supply Chain and Ecosystem: Creating a comprehensive ecosystem that includes raw material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, research institutions, and skilled labor, as well as enhancing cooperation between industry, academia, and government, can stimulate innovation and technological advancement.
3. Focused R&D and Innovation: Prioritising intensive research and innovation tailored to domestic needs and long-term strategic goals, and supporting the development of new technologies, are essential for staying competitive.
4. International Collaboration with Strategic Partners: Engaging selectively with global players to gain technological know-how without compromising sovereignty, while balancing openness to collaboration against the risks of technology leakage or supply chain vulnerabilities, is a delicate balancing act.
5. Government Support and Policy Frameworks: Enacting supportive policies, subsidies, and incentives, and ensuring regulatory environments that facilitate technological growth and protect key technologies, are crucial for nurturing the domestic microelectronics industry.

Challenges Faced by Newcomers in the Field

1. High Capital Intensity and Complexity: Semiconductor manufacturing requires enormous upfront investments in equipment and facilities, and mastering advanced manufacturing processes involves significant technical expertise and time.
2. Talent Shortage: There is often a lack of experienced personnel skilled in microelectronics design, manufacturing, and R&D in countries new to the sector. Building human capital requires long-term educational and training programs.
3. Technological Barriers and Intellectual Property (IP) Restrictions: Access to cutting-edge technology can be restricted due to export controls and IP protections held by established global suppliers. Navigating these restrictions while pursuing indigenous development is complex.
4. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Dependence on imported equipment, materials, and components remains a challenge, risking disruptions from geopolitical tensions. Ensuring end-to-end supply chain resilience is critical but difficult to achieve quickly.
5. Market Competition and Scale: Competing with entrenched global players who benefit from economies of scale and mature supply networks is challenging. Achieving cost-competitiveness and market share requires sustained effort and innovation.

"Mikron" is focusing on building up its own resources, particularly in machine tooling, software, and ultra-pure materials. The demand for equipment manufacturers is not reaching microelectronics, and countries not previously involved in microelectronics are showing interest, recognising the impossibility of technology transfer from leaders and the risks to sovereignty.

At its Zelenograd production site, "Mikron" has already replaced more than half of the materials used in crystal production with domestic alternatives, often matching world-level quality and price. International cooperation with countries new to microelectronics could help reduce dependence on leaders and ensure access to vital technologies, materials, and means of production.

The gap between microelectronics leaders and other market players is increasing due to high entry barriers and large budgets of leading global chip producers. Microelectronics is the foundation of the digital age, and countries with semiconductor production are investing heavily in its development. Cooperation with Russia, based on shared interests and pooled resources, looks promising in these conditions and can benefit all participants.

Russia has a strong engineering school, significant achievements in several scientific fields, and talented youth, which means there are good chances to integrate into this new reality on its own terms. However, government decree No. 719, which defines the degree of "domesticity" of industrial products, is not yet working effectively.

"Mikron" is developing its own MES system for managing technological processes in crystal production, which could be scaled up to other enterprises in the industry. The development of technologies will continue to change the familiar reality, sharpening information security issues. The ability to control one's resources and identity, and manage them independently, will be critical in the long term for all states.

Regulatory support is needed for breakthrough solutions and initiatives in areas like optoelectronics. The industry is lacking effective market regulation. China's technological base development was due to strict regulation. The administration of this regulatory tool has been transferred to a public organization that does not have the direct task of ensuring technological sovereignty.

In conclusion, achieving technological sovereignty in microelectronics is a multifaceted endeavor requiring strong government-industry synergy, substantial investment in R&D and infrastructure, addressing talent gaps, and carefully managing international partnerships and supply chains. The path is difficult but essential for ensuring long-term technological independence and national security.

Artificial-intelligence can play a significant role in enhancing microelectronics production processes by optimizing fabrication facilities, improving supply chain management, and accelerating R&D and innovation.

As countries strive for technological sovereignty in microelectronics, investing in AI capabilities will become increasingly important to maintain competitiveness and ensure long-term success.

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