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52 PCB007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2024 It has been a while since we talked to a multi- company Asian-based PCB fabricator. Based on the markets served, Asia-based fabricators already utilize the highest-tech PCB process- ing equipment and materials. Where does that leave the rest of the world? Joe Dickson, an executive at Wus in China, candidly shares his observations, experiences, and perspective of an American working for an Asian-based PCB fabricator, envisioning a realistic future for the PCB fabrication industry. Marcy LaRont: Joe, Wus is an Asian large- volume PCB manufacturer. Can the technol- ogy gap be bridged with the West, particu- larly the United States, where many semicon- ductor companies are still headquartered? Joe Dickson: Yes, I believe it can be bridged with significant investment and aggressive scaling up toward next-generation technology, not what is being done today. I'm not sure that makes sense for Western fabricators though, for quick-turn low volume. But it's possible, especially as Asian volume suppliers don't want to be in the prototype business. ere are two issues I see. First, technol- ogy discussions in the West focus on chips and PCBs as separate roadmaps. e other, larger issue is that there seems to be a general lack of support for an ecosystem of collaboration. ere is no interest in collaborating with Asian fabricators who are doing very high-tech- nology fabrication work. Speaking for Wus, some Asian fabricators are happy to share their Global Perspectives: The Future of PCB Technology Feature Interview by the I-Connect007 Editorial Team