|
|
|
www.design-reuse-embedded.com |
|
The paradox of semiconductors - EU governance between sovereignty and interdependence
Abstract Semiconductors are among the most important technologies for the digital society and a core technology of the European Union (EU)'s digital sovereignty agenda. The main argument of this article is that the governance of semiconductors is shaped by an inherent tension. On the one hand, this governance is embedded in the agenda of digital sovereignty, suggesting some form of autarky is possible. On the other hand, the production of semiconductors is necessarily globally distributed. This study draws on critical infrastructure literature, which enables us to explore how semiconductors are loaded with values that are inscribed via digital sovereignty. In the case of semiconductors, digital sovereignty works as a tool for legitimising trade, economic and research policies. The need for a strong semiconductor industry in the EU and the globalised nature of threats against the supply chain are acknowledged simultaneously. In turn, subsidising global corporations has turned out to be the natural response. Politically, it becomes difficult to contest these subsidies, as well as the underlying assumption concerning future innovation.
www.tandfonline.com/, Sept. 26, 2024 –
Introduction
Semiconductors, or chips, are one of the most intricate devices produced in the world and a cornerstone of all digital technology (Ezell Citation2020; Miller Citation2022; Poitiers and Weil Citation2021; Timmers Citation2022b).Footnote1 They are considered central to both security and economy: 'Chips are central to the modern digital economy' and 'at the centre of strong geopolitical interests' (European Commission Citation2023a). However, their intricate and globally decentred supply chain causes a series of vulnerabilities, which became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a lag in supply (Kleinhans and Baisakova Citation2020). Since then, semiconductors have been a prime concern for policymakers in the EU. The majority of discussions surrounding semiconductors revolve around the viability of policies and the questions on innovations. This article takes a different perspective: By deploying an infrastructural lens, I aim to show how the EU semiconductor policies and discourse are caught within a tension of aiming for sovereign production while simultaneously acknowledging global interdependence. Nevertheless, I argue, the notion of digital sovereignty is still powerful as it binds together a set of values such as security and sustainability in promoting a strong European semiconductor industry and legitimising large-scale subsidies. Politically, it thus becomes difficult to contest not only these subsidies but also the underlying assumption concerning future innovation.
The EU has identified semiconductors as a strategic industry as part of its digital sovereignty agenda (Monsees and Lambach Citation2022). Digital sovereignty is a prevalent catchphrase in current EU debates (Couture and Toupin Citation2019; Floridi Citation2020; Pohle and Thiel Citation2020) and is 'presented as the way forward to developing the EU as a secure and resilient society, to achieving a leadership position within the international system and reducing its dependence on other parts of the world' (Bellanova, Carrapico, and Duez Citation2022, 337). Digital sovereignty and some related terms such as strategic autonomy are used to advocate for an 'intermediate, market-directing policy agenda for an emerging geotech world' (Seidl and Schmitz Citation2023, 3). Digital sovereignty is embedded in security discourses where security is a precondition for a strong economy, global competitiveness and the safeguarding of EU values (Bellanova, Carrapico, and Duez Citation2022, 347). In this context, the EU has agreed on the Chips Act, core legislation subsidising the EU semiconductor industry, promoting the training of the workforce and monitoring the global supply chain (European Commission Citation2023a). In line with the digital sovereignty agenda, the aim is to improve the European industry and make it globally competitive while at the same time reducing security risks. These risks stem from highly interconnected and globalised supply chains that have several choke points which make these supply chains vulnerable.Footnote2 This is where we can observe the tension between EU sovereignty and global interdependence.
Back
Contact Us
Partnership Offers