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India’s ambition to become a global semiconductor powerhouse is a bold and transformative vision. However, achieving this monumental goal requires more than just intent; it demands a meticulously planned, collaborative, and incremental strategy. This is the precise message from NITI Aayog member Arvind Virmani, who emphasizes the crucial need for joint efforts between Central and state governments.
Virmani’s insights highlight that building a robust semiconductor ecosystem is not an overnight task. It’s a complex endeavor that involves a multitude of factors, from advanced manufacturing facilities and research & development capabilities to a highly skilled workforce and a supportive regulatory environment. This intricate web necessitates a ‘step-by-step approach’, ensuring that each foundational element is firmly established before progressing to the next.
The call for synergistic collaboration between Central and state governments is particularly critical. While the Central government can set national policies, offer substantial incentives, and foster international partnerships, state governments play an indispensable role in providing the on-ground infrastructure, land, utilities, and local regulatory support. They are also vital in developing the regional educational institutions and skill development programs necessary to churn out the talent pipeline required by this highly specialized industry.
Furthermore, Virmani stresses the importance of ‘carefully planned policy instruments’. These instruments could encompass a range of initiatives: targeted financial incentives for manufacturing and R&D, streamlined clearance processes, dedicated semiconductor parks with world-class facilities, robust intellectual property protection, and significant investment in STEM education and advanced training programs. The goal is to create an attractive and stable environment that draws in global players and nurtures domestic innovation.
By adopting this integrated and progressive strategy, India can systematically build the layers of its semiconductor ecosystem. This isn’t just about manufacturing; it’s about establishing design capabilities, fostering innovation, creating high-value jobs, and ultimately securing India’s strategic position in the global technology landscape. Virmani’s advice serves as a vital blueprint for turning a national aspiration into a tangible reality.
Source: Original Article
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