The semiconductor industry has become one of the pillars of the global economy. Microprocessors, memories, sensors, integrated circuits, and other electronic components are present in the vast majority of current electronic devices and systems. The growing demand for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and the adoption of electric vehicles has positioned semiconductors as a strategic resource according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).
The semiconductor industry began in the 20th century, with the invention of the transistor in 1947 and 1948, followed by the integrated circuit in the 1950s. Initially concentrated in the United States, Japan, Europe, South Korea, and Taiwan, semiconductor manufacturing experienced a boom with the explosion of smartphones since the 2000s.
Various strategies are proposed to boost the semiconductor industry in Mexico. Among them are public-private collaboration, the creation of research funds, the establishment of technology parks to attract companies in the sector, and the implementation of specialized academic programs in various areas related to semiconductors.
Currently, the demand for semiconductors continues to grow steadily, driven by the need for high-performance processors and memories, as well as the increase in connected devices. According to the SIA, global semiconductor sales surpassed $500 billion in 2021, reflecting their impact on the world economy.
The industry's outlook indicates that the global semiconductor market will continue to grow at annual rates of between 5% and 8% over the next decade, potentially exceeding a trillion dollars in value by 2030. Given this scenario, there is a need to promote strategies focused on developing the semiconductor industry in Mexico.
Relevant milestones in the history of semiconductors have led to the miniaturization of electronic components and laid the foundations for the digital revolution. Companies such as Intel and Texas Instruments played fundamental roles in the manufacturing of microprocessors and memories that propelled personal computing and consumer electronics. The mass adoption of personal computers in the 1980s and the expansion of the Internet in the 1990s accelerated the development of more powerful and compact semiconductors.
In this context, Mexico could enhance the semiconductor industry by identifying regions with high potential, developing innovation centers, fostering collaboration among public and private stakeholders, and promoting research in the sector to establish itself as a relevant player in the semiconductor value chain.
