Building India’s Semiconductor Future

This research paper would examine India’s ambitions to develop a domestic semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem. According to the India Semiconductor Mission, the government seeks to build a strong semiconductor and display ecosystem to position India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design. The paper would begin by tracing the global evolution of semiconductor supply chains, highlighting the dominance of East Asian economies like Taiwan, South Korea and China. It would assess India’s current capabilities in chip design, fabrication and packaging, noting existing firms, research laboratories and manufacturing facilities. The analysis would evaluate infrastructure gaps—such as electricity reliability, cleanroom facilities and water supply—as well as the availability of a skilled workforce.

The paper would then examine policy initiatives launched under the Semiconductor Mission, including fiscal incentives, design support and manufacturing subsidies. Comparisons would be drawn with successful strategies adopted by other countries, such as Taiwan’s Hsinchu Science Park and South Korea’s government–industry collaborations. The study would also assess international developments like the U.S. CHIPS Act and the EU Chips Act, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and competition. Potential socio‑economic benefits of a robust semiconductor industry—job creation, export earnings and technological self‑reliance—would be analysed against environmental and ethical considerations, such as resource consumption and waste management. Policy recommendations might include investing in university–industry partnerships to train engineers, establishing research and development hubs, streamlining regulatory approvals and fostering public–private investment models.