Mexican scientists from public institutions aim to contribute with technological innovations to the development of a Mexican semiconductor industry. The lack of long-term planning by previous governments leaves the country at a historical disadvantage, as its representation in Congress does not accurately reflect the support it receives from the public. The strategy announced by the president to position Mexico as a power in semiconductor development comes at a critical moment.
Miller highlights how the Soviet Union and China fell behind in this technological race, with the latter more concerned about its cultural revolution than progress in semiconductors. The Mexican government, instead of acting promptly, prioritized consolidating its power through electoral tactics. As part of the Mexico Plan, the creation of the National Semiconductor Design Center, named Kutsari, is announced as a crucial measure for the country’s advancement.
The example of TSMC in Taiwan, which has become the world's largest chip factory, shows how technology has centered in the Indo-Pacific, especially in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. This has left China lagging in the chip market. Mexico seeks to board the train of technological progress, taking advantage of the relocation of production chains caused by the pandemic in the Indo-Pacific region.
The book Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology, by Chris Miller, reveals the evolution of the semiconductor industry from its beginnings in quantum physics, driven by visionaries in Silicon Valley. The proposed modifications to the Federal Law on the Protection of Industrial Property aim to foster the creativity of scientists and technologists to patent their inventions more easily.
Although the Mexican government has been slow to seize this opportunity, the country is finally taking a step in the right direction to promote national technological innovation.
