Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1456062
38 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2022 last 20 to 30 years that it's definitely the time to shore up the industry. Johnson: So, if France isn't necessarily doing enough, then we can pretty much assume that the European Union needs to do more. As you watch Europe, and the rest of the world, what is the European opinion on what the U.S. is doing? Are we doing the right thing with the plans that we have in place with these acts? Are we missing the mark? James: Maybe I should suggest looking at this from a different angle; the European Union and the U.S. are looking to partner more, which is why they've set up this trade and technology council. ey want to say, "How can we do this in partnership, so that if there's a need and it's not in our region, then we can find it in your region or in another partner region?" But they also have to strike that balance between being able to complement each other, and also mak- ing sure that they're not on some kind of sub- sidy race between the two regions. With the United States and the European Union, it's more about a partnership. at's an important focus for this year. As both regions look to build out their respective CHIPS acts, how can they complement what each region is doing as strategic partners? Supply chain secu- rity and resiliency is an objective. Johnson: For those of us who watch govern- ment programs and investment, these pro- grams always have intended consequences from the legislation. But then you have the unintended, unanticipated outcomes. James: We come back to the silicon-to-sys- tems approach. Despite the energy behind CHIPS acts, which policymakers are pursuing a silicon-to-systems approach in the context of regional industrial resiliency. Johnson: Regional, but with a global mindset at the same time. James: Yes. You don't have to do everything in one region, but that you have the option. Europe needs to have skilled workers, as well as modern, cutting edge factories that can manufacture at scale in a cost-competitive manner. But let's face it, the industry will never be tied to one country or one region. e sup- ply chain is too complex. With the critical min- erals, materials, and everything that you need, to have all of that in one region is not anybody's ambition. No government wants that; they are being smart about what capabilities should exist internally and what capabilities should exist with trusted supply chain partners. at's why the European Union and the U.S. partnership is important. How can they work together? But our point is that in looking at the resiliency and the security of supply chains between the two regions, that you're looking across the whole of the industry. Johnson: Any closing thoughts? James: Policymakers in Europe, the United States and elsewhere are making great strides in bolstering the semiconductor supply chain. We must not leave the rest of the industry behind, because doing so undermines the real goal, which is to sustain the capabilities to manufacture cutting edge electronics. ese capabilities are necessary to supply chain resil- iency and security, as well as technological innovation. Johnson: ank you, Alison. SMT007 Alison James is senior director of IPC Europe. With the United States and the European Union, it's more about a partnership.