ECCT Technology Committee Lunch

Semiconductor diplomacy? Evaluating the challenges and opportunities of TSMC’s investments in the US, Japan and Germany

Guest speakers: Dr Lee Chun-Yi, Associate Professor, School of Politics and International Relations; Director, Taiwan Research Hub, University of Nottingham
Date & Time: Monday, 2 September 2024, 12:00-14:00
Venue: 4F, VIP Room 1, Regent Taipei / 台北晶華酒店 4樓 第一貴賓廳
Address: No.3, Ln. 39, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei / 台北市中山區中山北路二段39巷3號

In April this year, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced that it will build a cutting-edge 2-nanometre chip fabrication plant, or fab, in Phoenix, Arizona, which is an upgrade from its previous plans. It will be the company’s third facility in the US and the only one abroad that aims to match the technological sophistication of the next generation of fabs in Taiwan. It follows plans to build fabs in Germany and Japan. The strategy to diversify geographically brings several advantages. It allows Taiwanese firms to be closer to their clients, reducing logistical hurdles and fostering closer collaboration. In addition, it taps into the expertise and resources of different regions, creating a dynamic ecosystem for innovation. This type of expansion abroad may also arguably be seen as a tool of diplomacy for the Taiwanese government.

The globalisation of Taiwan's semiconductor footprint is not without its challenges. Higher costs, talent shortages, geopolitical tensions, intellectual property concerns, and the ever-evolving nature of technology all pose potential roadblocks. However, Taiwan's unwavering focus on research and development, coupled with its highly skilled workforce, has positioned it as a vital player in the global semiconductor landscape.

At this event, our guest speaker will give an overview of TSMC’s global expansion projects and explore the interplay between government and business relationship in these investment projects. The discussion will start with the relationship between the Taiwanese government and TSMC and move on to focus on whether or not these investments will serve to benefit Taiwan’s external relations. It will also analyse the challenges and potential future directions of globalising Taiwanese semiconductor footprints.

About the speaker

Dr Lee Chun-Yi, is an Associate Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations and Director of the Taiwan Research Hub at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. Among other subjects, she has studied and written extensively on international relations, politics, trade, business and economic development covering Taiwan, China and interactions with Europe and the US. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications from Fu-Jen Catholic University, an MA in international studies and a PhD from the School of Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham. 

Cost: NT$1,800 for members and NT$2,600 for members' guest(s)

To cancel without penalty, written cancellations must be received 72 hours before the event.

**About 48 hours before the event, you will receive another email that will contain a QR code, which will enable you to register at the event using your mobile device.

Contact: Meredith Sun

Tel: 2740-0236 ext. 219 / Meredith.sun@ecct.com.tw