A conference at the intersection of social sciences and technology policy — examining the regulatory, labour, and geopolitical complexities of building a resilient semiconductor and hardware ecosystem.
Science and technology have emerged as critical determinants of a nation's survival, development, and position in the global order. As states increasingly prioritise advanced technological capabilities — such as the creation of robust microelectronics ecosystems — they build critical domestic capacity, transforming scientific potential into concrete industrial strength. This deliberate integration of local infrastructure and human capital requires international convergence, where states with complementary technological capacities and similar strategic interests cooperate to build complex, transnational value chains.
The India–Taiwan convergence in technological diplomacy is driven by a crucial need to de-risk supply chains, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dholera Special Investment Region — site of India's first commercial semiconductor fabrication facility via a joint venture between Tata Electronics and Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC) — is emerging as a fulcrum of this partnership. The high-tech, critical collaboration in this advanced semiconductor value chain, propelled by complementary policy frameworks — India's "Make in India" initiative and the "India Semiconductor Mission" — aligns strategically with Taiwan's "New Southbound Policy".
To examine the systemic transitions needed to sustain India's ambitions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, the Centre for East Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Central University of Gujarat, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in New Delhi (TECC) are organising this conference. It moves beyond technical discussions to address the regulatory, labour, and geopolitical complexities of building a resilient hardware ecosystem.
Evaluating "friendshoring," trade agreements, and India's integration into global value chains.
Assessing the India–Taiwan partnership, technology transfer frameworks, and managing dependencies.
Policy, ecosystem and global expansion.
Scaling workforce initiatives to bridge the gap between fabless chip design and ATMP manufacturing.
Evaluating the impact of ISM 2.0, the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) and other schemes on domestic innovation and start-ups.