pull down to refresh
134 sats \ 3 replies \ @crenshaw 17 Apr \ parent \ on: Getting manufacturing back econ
The US is definitely ill-equipped to manufacture semiconductors. TSMC is the powerhouse it is because of decades of investment and coordination across Taiwan and its society. This is not just in the form of financial support from the government. We're talking a university feeder system that trains TSMC's highly-skilled workforce, monetary policy that favors exports, localized brownouts and water shortages in nearby communities to keep the lights on at the factory. It's not just about manufacturing, it's a culture. Not to mention making semiconductors is incredibly difficult, especially at the size and scale that TSMC does it.
Interesting. You could think of a bunch of those as in-kind subsidies.
I can see why it would be unacceptably costly for someone to try outcompeting them head on.
Eventually, there will likely be a technological advancement that makes another production process profitable. Then, being so heavily invested in the current technology will be a disadvantage.
reply
If you wait long enough, everything ends.
A useful question is how long you're willing to wait, and what you're willing to endure in the interim.
reply
If the current situation counts as “enduring”, then I can endure for a long time yet.
What severe scenarios do you foresee?
From my vantage, things are pretty good and mostly improving.
reply