In their new Foreign Affairs piece, General John R. Allen (Ret.), Director of the GLOBSEC GeoTech Center, and Chris Miller, author of Chip War, call for a smarter, more collaborative European semiconductor strategy. They argue that Europe’s bid to double its chip production by 2030 is unrealistic without deeper cooperation with allies such as the United States — and that focusing on Europe’s existing strengths in chip tools, materials, and R&D will yield greater impact.
Key takeaways:
- Strategic cooperation over self-sufficiency: A purely European chip supply chain is unrealistic. Europe’s competitiveness depends on deeper collaboration with trusted partners, especially the United States, to access cutting-edge AI and semiconductor technologies.
- Focus on Europe’s strengths: Rather than chasing advanced manufacturing targets, Europe should build on its global leadership in chipmaking equipment, materials, and research organizations such as ASML, Merck, and IMEC.
- Link defense and innovation: Europe’s defense rearmament provides an opportunity to strengthen its chip ecosystem. Investments in AI-enabled defense technologies can stimulate demand and accelerate innovation.
- Respond smartly to China’s industrial policies: China’s massive subsidies and trade restrictions are reshaping chip markets. Europe must protect its industry through fair-trade measures and stronger R&D investment to maintain a technological edge.
- Transatlantic tech alignment: The U.S. and Europe should harmonize standards for “trusted chips” and jointly develop secure supply chains, reducing dependence on vulnerable links in Asia.
Read the full article in Foreign Affairs: https://lnkd.in/eMYthZAc