Chris Miller is the author of Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology — essential reading for anyone in the tech industry. 

Episode Summary and Chris’ Bio

Chris serves as Associate Professor of International History at the Fletcher School at Tufts University, where his research focuses on technology, geopolitics, economics, international affairs, and Russia. He received his PhD and MA from Yale University and his BA in history from Harvard University. For more information about Professor Miller, see www.christophermiller.net.

In Chip War, Chris explains how the semiconductor came to play a critical role in military, consumer and business technology and how the US became dominant in chip design, manufacturing and in various markets. He also details how the US lost its leadership position, lost it in some arena, and regained it and the new market challenges.

Background

In the 1980s, semiconductors were the equivalent of crude oil in terms of their importance because of the growing significance of semiconductor technology in various industries and the US’ market control. In the period that followed the advent of the PC and Macintosh, the US lost its leadership in microchips. Japan, Taiwan and other countries had caught up and challenged the U.S.'s dominant position in the global technology landscape.

Over the past 50-60 years, U.S. trade policy can be characterized by a variety of approaches and strategies. The United States has pursued policies aimed at protecting domestic industries, promoting free trade, and negotiating trade agreements with other countries. The specifics of U.S. trade policy have evolved over time, reflecting changing economic and geopolitical circumstances.

In the chip industry, companies place significant importance on their intellectual property (IP) portfolios. Having a strong IP portfolio allows companies to protect their innovations and technologies from unauthorized use or competition. Additionally, companies in the chip industry often adopt a patent defensive approach, using patents as a means to defend against potential legal challenges or infringement claims.

The future of 5G technology holds great potential. 5G networks are expected to revolutionize communication by offering faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity. This technology is anticipated to enable advancements in various sectors, including autonomous vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), and more.

China has emerged as a major player in the global technology market. Companies like Huawei and Foxconn have gained prominence for their manufacturing capabilities and innovations. Huawei, in particular, has made significant strides in the telecommunications industry and has become a major player in the development and implementation of 5G technology.

Overall, these topics touch upon the evolving landscape of technology, trade policies, and the role of key players in the chip industry, such as China and the United States.

If you liked this podcast, prior Lessons from a Startup Life blog posts are available here: https://douglevin.substack.com/