The Global Semiconductor Industry: A Discussion
Morris Chang, Chairman, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
September 9, 2008 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, LBJ Library Brown Room, 10th Floor
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Morris Chang, Chairman, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd., discussed with Bill Spencer, Ph.D., University of Texas, the development and growth of the semiconductor industry in the 21st century. Chang revealed how he initially became interested in the semiconductor industry when, as Chairman of the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan, he recognized that semiconductor companies were increasingly outsourcing their manufacturing needs to Asia. Chang described how he applied a unique and innovative business model to the development of Taiwan Semiconductor, in which rewarding shareholders, keeping employees satisfied, and engaging in sound recruiting practices all contribute to the company’s success.
The conversation then turned to the current state of the semiconductor industry and how the industry has responded to the effects of globalization. Chang and Spencer discussed how semiconductor companies have expanded their operations across North America, Asia, and Europe, and have become increasingly staffed by international personnel. In addressing the future of the semiconductor industry on a global scale, Chang and Spencer discussed the potentially dramatic effects of Moore’s Law, which deals with the ability to place transistors on an integrated circuit. Chang noted a handful of semiconductor companies that are equipped to deal with such effects and outlined the probable growth rates for the industry as a whole.
Chang then fielded questions from the audience and spoke at length on topics ranging from the role of the semiconductor with regard to climate change, international security policy, and education.
Morris Chang speaking with Bill Spencer.
Morris Chang.
Mr. Chang addresses a question from the audience.
A full house in the LBJ Library Brown Room.
Morris Chang is the founding Chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. (TSMC), which was established in 1987. TSMC pioneered the “dedicated silicon foundry” business model and was a powerful force in building both the foundry industry and the “fabless” semiconductor industry. Previously, Mr. Chang was President and COO of General Instrument Corporation and served at Texas Instruments, where he was Group Vice President responsible for worldwide semiconductor business.
This presentation is part of the Strauss Center’s Technology, Innovation and Global Security Speaker Series, which brings world-renowned experts to campus to discuss how to sustain innovation and prevent modern technology from being misused.
The Strauss Center is nonpartisan and takes no institutional position on any issue. All statements of fact and all expressions of opinion at Center events are the sole responsibility of the speaker.
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