Digital Transformation Breeding Higher ‘Silicon Content’: Applied CEO

Semiconductors are more “strategically important to the global economy than at any time in history, and this is driving new waves of silicon consumption,” Applied Materials CEO Gary Dickerson told his company's virtual investor meeting Tuesday. His prepared remarks noted factors driving unprecedented semiconductor demand without mentioning the resulting industry chip shortages. “As an industry, we’re in a privileged position where our combined technologies can drive a huge positive impact on a global scale,” said Dickerson. “As the world navigates COVID-19 and prepares for a post-pandemic era, the digital transformation of the economy is accelerating.” Digital transformation is “built upon semiconductor innovation, and has significant implications for the electronics ecosystem,” he said. “As everything gets smarter, from our phones to our cars to our homes, we’re seeing increasing silicon content.” The transition to 5G “is driving a richer mix of high-end phones that feature more cameras and sensors, combined with specialized AI computing,” he said. “All this adds up to more leading-edge and specialty silicon content per handset.”