Semiconductors are the incredibly sophisticated and complex computer chips that power all modern electronics. They’re essential for everything from smartphones to nuclear submarines and from medical equipment to wireless communications.

There’s been an increased focus on semiconductors of late, with the passing of the CHIPS and Science Act in the United States and tensions in the Taiwan Strait over Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

In this episode, Fergus Hanson speaks to Alex Capri and Professor Bob Clark about the semiconductor supply chain, how geopolitics play into this resource, and why semiconductors matter. They discuss their findings for the new ASPI report ‘Australia’s semiconductor national moonshot’, which details how Australia can develop its semiconductor manufacturing industry.

ASPI Report: Australia’s semiconductor national moonshot: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australias-semiconductor-national-moonshot

Guests (in order of appearance):

Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson

Alex Capri: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alex-capri

Bob Clark: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-clark

Music: "Riviera" by Maarten Schellekens - via the FreeMusicArchive.org