The partnership seeks to create a more transparent, secure, and sustainable global semiconductor value chain
The incentives granted under the CHIPS Act in the United States, and a new partnership with Costa Rica, would encourage the demand and development of semiconductors.
The partnership, enabled by the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund, seeks to create a more transparent, secure, and sustainable global semiconductor value chain.
It will begin with a review of the current development of the semiconductor industry in Costa Rica, as well as the regulatory framework, and the workforce and infrastructure needs. The outcome of this review will serve as a basis for future cooperation on developing this critical sector.
This means a whole world of opportunities for companies that want to get involved in exploring opportunities for the diversification and growth of the global semiconductor ecosystem, such as Teradyne, manufacturing automation across industries.
Such opportunities lie in three fundamental areas: improvement of New Product Introduction (NPI), expansion of customer support, and training of talent.
How will the CHIPS Act improve NPI for the semiconductor sector in Costa Rica?
With increased demand and development in the semiconductor industry, companies could improve their NPI operations.
Teradyne has one of the largest NPI operations in Costa Rica and could benefit from the partnership by making its processes more efficient and effective.
“This NPI process involves the transfer of mature processes and stable products to our manufacturing contractor (CM). A more favorable industry environment could incentivize CM growth in Costa Rica, which would in turn benefit our supply chain and increase the efficiency of our operations,” explained Carlos Esquivel, Site Manager and Global SOC Pilot Line Manager of Teradyne Costa Rica.
The industry also expects a rise in demand for Automatic Test Equipment, resulting in a greater need for customer support and in the expansion of some other capabilities.
Talent training for an incipient industry
A growing environment in the Costa Rican semiconductor sector could provide an opportunity to invest more in the training of the current workforce.
“Creating a strong link with local educational institutions, universities, and training centers, may be a key strategy to ensure a steady flow of highly skilled talent prepared to meet the challenges of the semiconductor industry,” explained Esquivel.
Investing in higher education, English learning programs, and training for emerging technologies, could be critical for keeping this talent competitive, according to the specialist.
Part of these incentives could be used to cooperate with educational institutions, creating or enhancing advanced education programs in areas relevant to the semiconductor industry, to which Costa Rica currently does not have access at this time.
These educational programs should include undergraduate and graduate programs in electronics engineering, computer science, and other semiconductor and electronics-related disciplines.
“By ensuring that these programs are aligned with the needs of our industry, we can help prepare the future professionals we will need,” added Esquivel.
About Teradyne
Global specialists in testing and automation, driving next-generation technologies through sophisticated solutions. Behind every electronic device in the consumer’s hands, Teradyne’s testing technology ensures that the device works the first time and forever. Together, Teradyne companies offer manufacturing automation in all industries and applications around the world.