Abstract

Since the invention of the point contact transistor at Bell Laboratories in 1947, semiconductors have become an increasingly sophisticated and pervasive commodity, propelling society from an industrial era towards an information era. During the 1980s, worldwide semiconductor sales volume may increase tenfold to 50 billion dollars. Nations of Developing Northeast and Southeast Asia will continue to play a critical role in the development of the world semiconductor industry. The leading nations in the region are becoming competitors for the computer service and consumer electronics markets as well as the world semiconductor market. Meanwhile, they remain viable partners for foreign firms. The lesser-developed nations remain attractive bases for offshore assembly, with varying potential to upscale during the balance of the century. It is likely that U.S. companies will continue to nurture these relationships during the transition of these nations from offshore resources to their new roles as competitors and customers.