The Supply Chain of Semiconductors: How Geopolitics Reshaped the Microchip Industry.

The thesis aims to provide a comparative analysis of major players and regions in the supply chain of the microchip industry, with a focus on its distinctive characteristics and how geopolitics affect its environment. Starting with an analysis of each step of the supply chain, the research will explore the importance of such fundamental, yet very fragile, industry for modern global economies. A special focus will be given to the major market leaders of both the East and the West (e.g. TSMC, Intel, Nvidia). The thesis will then explore the issues that emerged in the recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused significant disruption in microchip production and distribution. These difficulties are compounded by significant geopolitical issues, such as the growing tension between China and Taiwan, and the impacts of global economic policies that are slowing globalization, including the recent U.S. election and related trade decisions made from President Trump. The research will examine how these factors have contributed to microchip shortages, international tensions, and general uncertainty in the industry. It will then discuss the considerations brought up in an interview with an expert of the industry, analyzing and addressing their point of view on global and geopolitical topics and how these issues will affect the future of the industry years from now.