Economic impact

Let us begin by relating the worldwide sales of semiconductor products to the world's gross domestic product (GDP). In 2005, this proportion was 237 GUSD out of 44.4 TUSD (0.53%) and rising.

Assessing the significance of semiconductors on the basis of sales volume grossly underestimates their impact on the world economy, however. This is because microelectronics is acting as a technology driver that enables or expedites a range of other industrial, commercial, and service activities. Just consider

• The computer and software industry,

• The telecommunications and media industry,

• Commerce, logistics, and transportation,

• Natural science and medicine,

• Power generation and distribution, and — last but not least —

• Finance and administration.

Microelectronics thus has an enormous economic leverage as any progress there spurs many, if not most, innovations in “downstream” industries and services.

A popular example …

After a rapid growth during the last three decades, the electric and electronic content of passenger cars nowadays makes up more than 15% of the total value in simpler cars and close to 30% in well-equipped vehicles. What's more, microelectronics is responsible for the vast majority of improvements that we have witnessed. Just consider electronic ignition and injection that have subsequently been combined and extended to become electronic engine management. Add to that anti-lock brakes and anti-skid stability programs, trigger circuits for airbags, anti-theft equipment, automatic air conditioning, instrument panels that include a travel computer, remote control of locks, navigation aids, multiplexed busses, electronically controlled drive train and suspension, audio/video information and entertainment, and upcoming night vision and collision avoidance systems.