Taiwan's Semiconductor Miracle: From Periphery to Core

This book examines how a series of inconceivable developments in the semiconductor industry over the last 40 years shaped modern Taiwan.

Covering one of the most dramatic episodes in modern technology history, this book outlines the ascent of a resource-impoverished and technology-disadvantaged country to a leading position in the world’s most complex industry, which requires immense resources and technologies to succeed. The book focuses on three major factors that contributed to this success: the adoption of the foundry model, the formation of human resources, and the role of the state. The role of geopolitics in Taiwan’s success is also assessed, including how the US-Japan Trade Arrangement has contributed to the decline of Japan’s semiconductor industry, the emergence of Chinese competitors, and the resulting containment policies of the likes of Japan, the US, and Europe in favor of domestic production in recent years.

Illustrating the importance of strategy and human dedication and the roles of the state and international politics, this book will be a valuable resource to students and scholars of Taiwanese politics, history, and business.

Tain-Jy Chen is the TSE chair professor, Taipei School of Economics and Political Science, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan.

Chin-Tay Shih is a professor emeritus at the College of Technology Management, National Tsing-Hua University.