MERICS Closed-door Workshop: China’s Advancements in New Semiconductor Technologies and Their Implications for Europe

On Tuesday, June 30, MERICS will host a closed-door workshop discussion at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) titled “China’s Advancements in New Semiconductor Technologies and Their Implications for Europe” from 12.30 to 17.30 CEST at MERICS in Berlin. The workshop is part of a three-year research project called "The China Tech Observatory" which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

China’s dominance in foundational semiconductors could lead to long-term domination in new semiconductor technologies. Chinese firms are strengthening the production of mature nodes while simultaneously investing profits from their foundational chip business into third-generation chips and other advanced technologies. Currently, while European companies do not lead in AI chips, they hold strong positions in future semiconductor technologies, especially third-generation semiconductors (GaN and SiC) and photonic chips. These technologies are seen as crucial by Chinese policymakers for the country’s electrification drive, as well as possible leapfrogging opportunities. Ceding foundational chip production to China would undermine the very companies poised to lead in future technologies. This would also challenge European efforts to electrify and de-carbonize its economy, as well as its digitalization and artificial intelligence efforts.  

This MERICS workshop will bring together analysts, company representatives, government representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss China’s advancements in developing foundational and future semiconductor technologies, as well as the implications of these advances for Europe’s industrial competitiveness, green transition, digitalization agenda, and technological sovereignty. 

Please note that the meeting is confidential and by personal invitation only.