The world’s three leadingchipmakers – Intel, Samsung and TSMC – are heavily reliant on ASML technology (sole manufacturer of the most advanced equipment thatis essential to modern chipmaking practices).
But while ASML’s monopoly on this technology is secure for now,it would be naive to assume that it will last as it faces external pressure toopen itself up to the world; the US has yet to grant ASML an export license,meaning they cannot deliver a EUV machine to China. With that in mind, it’shard to imagine ASML being happy that they can’t access one of, if not thebiggest market in the world.
With supply chains blocked and technological expertiseconcentrated, we expect there to be a breaking point soon that will result inan explosion of technological innovation driven by the urgency to meetincreasing global demand.
This innovation race means the ones who will succeed will be thecompanies who prioritise protecting their innovations in one of the fastestmoving sectors.
(Source: Threereasons why you need to protect your semiconductor intellectual property now )
(20min delay)