My comments on White House Semiconductor Roundtable

Last week I joined technology industry leaders for the latest White House roundtable on the semiconductor shortage convened by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and National Economic Advisor Brian Deese. The pandemic has revealed challenges in our supply chain, and semiconductors stand out among the critical items requiring adequate U.S.-based supplies and production. It was a privilege to be part of the dialogue with manufacturers, suppliers and consumers of chips to share our recommendations with the Biden-Harris Administration.

Siemens brings a unique perspective to the table as an infrastructure provider, a manufacturer, and as a supplier of digital tools and hardware to customers. We rely on chips for making products such as electric vehicle charging stations, and we also provide automation, software and data solutions that support both faster, more sustainable chip design and the potential to localize U.S. semiconductor production. That’s why Siemens is committed to working with industry and government partners to advance both short and long-term strategies to ensure a resilient supply chain. 

Secretary Raimondo highlighted the role of transparency in the supply chain – and we agree that transparency is a top priority. There is an immediate need to adopt digital logistics tools that can help us forecast supply chain disruptions before they occur, model the flow of goods across suppliers, and ensure trusted traceability from suppliers all the way to the end product. These same tools will also accelerate sustainability goals and bolster semiconductor manufacturing in an energy-efficient way across the manufacturing process. 

Even as supply chains become increasingly global, the future we see is “glocal.” If it invests in digital transformation and new technology, U.S. manufacturing is well-positioned to increase semiconductor production. This would increase U.S. economic competitiveness, create jobs and complement robust federal investments in American infrastructure.

Another important step Siemens supports is to fully fund the CHIPS Act, which would drive the development of a more robust U.S.-based chip assembly and technology center.

As we engage in these discussions with partners and chart a path forward, our company is optimistic that our response to these current challenges will help us reimagine our nation’s supply chain. And we look forward to this ongoing effort forged by industry and government to shape a more resilient, sustainable future.

This article was originally published on the Siemens Stories blog.