シリコンアイランドの進化の系譜とイノベーション

抄録

The semiconductor industry landscape has changed dramatically due to the development of a digital society and carbon neutrality, as well as discussions on economic security. While Moore’s Law is approaching its limit, 3DIC （heterogeneous integration） such as “chiplet” is attracting attention, while technological structural changes are also taking place. In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry （METI） formulated and implemented the “Semiconductor and Digital Industry Strategy” in June 2021, and an industrial policy that positions the semiconductor industry as the most important industry for economic security.

Against this backdrop, the location of TSMC has served as an opportunity for Kyushu to take advantage of the potential of its existing industrial and technological agglomeration, while promoting various initiatives that match the government’s policies.

More than 1,000 semiconductor-related companies are located in Kyushu, referred to as “Silicon Island.” Kyushu’s strength lies in the formation of local and global supply chains led by device companies such as Sony and Renesas Electronics. In addition to materials, manufacturing equipment, and design companies, there is also a concentration of user companies for products such as robots and automobiles. Furthermore, Kumamoto University, Kyushu University, Kyushu Institute of Technology, and Waseda University are focusing on research and development of semiconductors. Research support organizations such as the Kyushu Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology （AIST）, Fukuoka Institute of System LSI Design Industry, and Research Center for 3D Semiconductors have advanced package prototype development lines and minimal fab package lines, used by companies and researchers in a wide range of business areas nationwide.

Local medium-sized companies are also growing their businesses, enhancing their R&D and business construction capabilities. We have broken away from single-track subcontracting management and are conducting strong management with double-track portfolio management.