Chinese firms are about two years behind the global leaders when it comes to designing logic chips, whereas they're several more years behind in memory chips, explained report author Stephen Ezell. This gap highlights the challenges China faces in advancing its semiconductor technology to match that of the United States and its allies, reflecting a longstanding struggle in this crucial sector.
Ezell warned that does not mean the US and allies can "rest on their laurels," else "they risk seeing a significant diminution of their industries." This recommendation underscores the importance of continued investment and innovation in the semiconductor space, as vulnerabilities can emerge if industry leaders become complacent.
China has made notable progress in intellectual property and innovation, surpassing the US and Japan in patent filings. In 2020, the country's semiconductor industry secured over 3,400 approved patents, indicating a significant rise compared to just 122 a decade ago. However, it’s essential to note that many of these patents do not represent groundbreaking technological advancements.
US share of global semiconductor manufacturing fell from 37 percent in 1990 to 12 percent in 2021, while China's rose from virtually nothing to match US share. However, this growth largely centers on legacy semiconductors, suggesting that while production capabilities have evolved, innovation is lagging behind.
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