Breathe
By Sofía Perez Gasque M
In recent times, semiconductors have become the hot topic in Mexico and around the world. But what exactly are these little chips that have the country and the global industry upside down? Let me explain it to you in a non-technical way.
Imagine that every electronic device you use every day, from your smartphone to your car, has a tiny brain that allows it to function. These brains are semiconductors, materials that can behave as conductors or insulators of electricity depending on certain conditions such as temperature or radiation.
The most widely used semiconductor is silicon, an element abundant in nature that, when combined with other materials, can create chips capable of performing super-complex tasks at breakneck speeds. These chips are the basis of any modern electronic circuit, from car microprocessors to computer processors.
But here's the kicker: it turns out that in recent times, the demand for semiconductors has been skyrocketing like crazy, especially from the telecom and electronics industries. And guess what, manufacturers can't keep up with producing so many chips.
This has led to a worldwide shortage that is shaking entire sectors of the economy. Companies of all kinds, from Apple to Ford, have been forced to reduce their production due to a lack of these components. And Mexico, a major player in global manufacturing, is not spared from this problem.
Mexico has several states, such as Aguascalientes, Baja California and Querétaro, which have become semiconductor production centers. But that's not all: Mexico is also a key supplier of skilled labor and infrastructure for this sector.
So, as chip shortages shake the global economy, Mexico is positioning itself as a strategic player in this game. Companies around the world are looking to Mexico as an ally to diversify their supply chains and ensure the flow of semiconductors.
Semiconductors are not just a topic of the moment, they represent the future of technology and the global economy. As we move towards an increasingly digitized world, the demand for these tiny electronic brains will continue to grow by leaps and bounds.
Mexico has the opportunity to become a world leader in semiconductor production, but to do so it needs to invest in infrastructure, education and public policies that encourage innovation in this sector. If it does it right, our country can take advantage of this moment to boost its economic and technological development.
So, the next time you hear the word "semiconductor", don't think of a boring technicality, but of the future of Mexico and the world. These tiny chips are about to revolutionize the way we live and work, and Mexico has the opportunity to jump on that bandwagon.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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