半導体エンジニアはラピダス設立をどう感じているのか？生の声聞いてみた！

TL;DR

Engineers discuss the challenges and hopes for Rapidus Corporation.

Transcript

Hello. I am "Manufacturing man" of "Manufacturing man Channel". A semiconductor manufacturer called Rapidus Corporation was founded. In other words, it's a losing coalition that includes International Business Machines Corporation. I honestly think it's a gamble whether it's positive or negative. I think it's the last chance for semiconductor. I ha... Read More

Key Insights

• Rapidus Corporation is a new semiconductor company with backing from major companies like Toyota and NTT, but opinions on its potential success are mixed.
• The Japanese semiconductor industry has faced past failures, raising concerns about repeating mistakes with Rapidus Corporation.
• The involvement of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in past projects has led to skepticism among industry experts.
• There is a belief that the semiconductor business requires significant investment, and Rapidus Corporation's current funding may be insufficient.
• Some experts see Rapidus Corporation as a strategic move for Japan's economic security, especially given geopolitical tensions.
• The collaboration with International Business Machines Corporation has been viewed as both a positive and a potential red flag.
• There is hope that Rapidus Corporation can succeed by integrating market needs and leveraging Japan's strengths in semiconductor materials.
• The discussion highlights the need for Japan to focus on new application areas like automotive and industrial machinery to regain semiconductor leadership.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the general sentiment among engineers about Rapidus Corporation?

Engineers have mixed feelings about Rapidus Corporation. While they acknowledge the potential for innovation and economic security, there are concerns about repeating past mistakes and the adequacy of funding. The involvement of major companies like Toyota and NTT is seen as a positive sign, but skepticism remains due to previous unsuccessful government-led projects.

Q: Why is there skepticism about the involvement of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry?

The skepticism stems from past projects led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry that failed to achieve their goals. Engineers worry that similar issues, such as insufficient funding and lack of clear vision, could affect Rapidus Corporation. The perception is that government involvement often comes when projects are not progressing well independently.

Q: How does the geopolitical landscape influence the establishment of Rapidus Corporation?

The geopolitical landscape plays a significant role, with tensions between Western countries and authoritarian states like China influencing the decision to establish Rapidus Corporation. The company is seen as a strategic move to ensure Japan's economic security and maintain a competitive edge in semiconductor technology, especially given the importance of semiconductors in national defense.

Q: What are the concerns regarding the funding of Rapidus Corporation?

There are concerns that the current funding for Rapidus Corporation is insufficient to compete with global giants like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung. The semiconductor industry requires massive investments, and experts believe that the 70 billion yen allocated is too little to establish a leading-edge semiconductor fabrication facility.

Q: How do engineers view the collaboration with International Business Machines Corporation?

The collaboration with International Business Machines Corporation is viewed with mixed feelings. While some see it as a positive step due to the company's longstanding presence in the industry, others perceive it as a 'losing coalition.' There are doubts about whether International Business Machines Corporation can contribute significantly to the project's success.

Q: What application areas are considered crucial for Japan's semiconductor industry?

Engineers believe that Japan should focus on application areas where it has strengths, such as automotive and industrial machinery. These sectors are seen as more viable for Japan to regain leadership in the semiconductor industry, especially given the challenges faced in the smartphone market, where Japan previously lost its competitive edge.

Q: What are the potential benefits of Rapidus Corporation for Japan's economy?

Rapidus Corporation could bolster Japan's economy by strengthening its semiconductor industry, which is vital for both economic security and technological advancement. By aligning with major companies and focusing on strategic sectors, Rapidus Corporation has the potential to create high-value products and services, contributing to Japan's global competitiveness.

Q: How do engineers propose Rapidus Corporation should proceed to ensure success?

Engineers suggest that Rapidus Corporation should integrate market needs into its strategy, leverage Japan's strengths in semiconductor materials, and focus on new application areas like automotive. They also emphasize the importance of clear vision and substantial investment to avoid past mistakes and ensure the project's viability and success.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Rapidus Corporation was established with investments from major companies like Toyota and NTT, aiming to lead in semiconductor technology. However, industry experts express mixed opinions about its potential success, citing past failures and funding concerns.

• The involvement of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has been met with skepticism due to past unsuccessful projects. Experts emphasize the importance of significant investment in the semiconductor business, which Rapidus Corporation may currently lack.

• Despite challenges, there is hope that Rapidus Corporation can succeed by focusing on Japan's strengths in semiconductor materials and aligning with market needs. The project is seen as crucial for Japan's economic security amid geopolitical tensions.