EDITORIAL
SILICAN takes ‘first Steps’ on semi path The global semiconductor industr y is undergoing a transformation and Canada has the opportunity to assert its presence and play a significant role in this sector. To achieve this ambition, SILICAN, an Ottawa-based alliance of chip industry and post-secondary associations, has unveiled “First Steps for Canada,” a strategic overview that outlines the path forward for Canada’s semiconductor industry. This forward-thinking approach aims to leverage existing strengths, foster innovation and secure the nation’s position on the global semiconductor map. The semiconductor industry is a cornerstone of modern technology, impacting everything from consumer electronics to national security and emerging technologies like AI, electric vehicles, and quantum computing. SILICAN’s vision is clear: to ensure Canada not only remains competitive but also thrives in this industry. By emphasizing innovation, talent development, and strategic investments, the group’s mission has set the stage for a robust national semiconductor policy. SILICAN recognizes that Canada’s existing strengths lie in specific niches within the semiconductor industry, including compound semiconductors, advanced assembly, packaging and testing, and sensor technologies. By focusing on these areas, we can create a unique value proposition that sets us apart in the global marketplace. One of the key objectives outlined in “First Steps” is the expansion of the National Research Council’s Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre
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(CPFC). This facility could play a pivotal role in the Northeast Microelectronics Corridor, contributing to the growth and innovation of Canada’s semiconductor industry. With the right investments and a governance model oriented towards commercial success, the CPFC could become an invaluable asset, helping to drive sustainable growth in the sector. Scaling up Canadian companies is another critical objective. To become global players in the semiconductor industry, Canadian firms need targeted investments to address capital gaps and deepen capital pools. Collaboration with industry experts and government partners can help formulate specific approaches, ensuring these domestic companies can compete on a global scale. The need for such a strategy has never been more apparent in today’s rapidly evolving market realities.
Strong talent pool
Furthermore, building the talent pool is of paramount importance. By funding talent development programs, creating scholarships, co-ops, and internships, and supporting research in semiconductor fields, Canada can secure the skilled workforce it needs to thrive in this industry. With a focus on forecasting demand and talent requirements, institutions can be better prepared to supply the necessary expertise. SILICAN emphasizes the importance of government-industry collaboration in this endeavor. To achieve success in the semiconductor industry, government programs and agencies must understand the unique dynamics of the field and streamline existing programs to meet the rapidly evolving market realities. A harmonious partnership
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ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY / November/December 2023
between government and industry is crucial to drive innovation and growth. Benjamin Bergen, president of the Council of Canadian Innovators, highlights the significance of supporting competitive, successful Canadian companies and giving them the tools to scale up and compete globally. The Canadian government should prioritize the semiconductor industry, ensuring that working in this sector is an attractive option for individuals at every stage of the talent spectrum. Government cooperation with industry to forecast future needs and fund talent development will be key in achieving these goals. SILICAN acknowledges the importance of leveraging innovation-driven sectors like photonics and major facilities such as CPFC and C2MI. Strategically building upon past investments positions Canada to lead in emerging industry niches, creating jobs and long-term prosperity. It’s crucial to act decisively, especially in-lightof the American CHIPS Act, which emphasizes the strategic importance of the semiconductor industry. SILICAN has outlined a roadmap for success that emphasizes the pivotal role of highly qualified talent in driving growth. Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, in combination with an ecosystem of over 300 semiconductor companies, are already producing worldclass personnel. By expanding this ecosystem, Canada can lead in next-generation technologies, shaping the global economy for years to come. STEPHEN LAW Editor slaw@ept.ca info@ept.ca
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