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GUEST EDITORIAL

Emergence of India in semiconductors and

packaging R&D, and manufacturing

By Rao R. Tummala [Georgia Tech, USA]

I ndia has been wanting to get into

electronics manufacturing for
more than two decades. It has not
been successful—until now. But
the Government, under Prime Minister
Modi’s leadership, is committed to make
it happen this time. For India to be a
global player, however, it must achieve the
following: 1) Deep technical knowledge
in semiconductor, packaging and systems
technologies; 2) A well-educated and
large workforce to support R&D and
manufacturing in semiconductors,
packaging and system technologies; 3)
Large investments in R&D, education and
advanced manufacturing eco-systems;
4) R&D and manufacturing technologies
and products for domestic and foreign
markets; 5) Infrastructure for R&D
and manufacturing including materials,
chemicals, gases, power and water; and
6) An industry-centric culture in R&D,
manufacturing, products, applications,
and services. The sections below discuss
these requirements. Figure 1: India’s strengths and weaknesses in electronics. SOURCE: Prof. R. Tummala

India’s strengths and weaknesses
India already claims to have the fastest
G20 economy. It aims to be the third
largest economy after the U.S. and China,
within a decade. It also claims to be #2
in internet usage and #3 in the number of
start-ups. India is the largest country – with
unparalleled human resources, markets, and
unlimited growth potential – to grow its
electronic industry in the coming decades
(Figure 1). India has a well-educated
workforce in basic sciences and engineering,
unparalleled expertise, and resources in
integrated circuit (IC) design and software.
The current geopolitics give India a unique
opportunity for global companies to
seriously consider manufacturing in India,
unlike in the past. In addition, these global
companies are very much interested in
investing in India—provided India has deep
technology and manufacturing expertise and
adequate manufacturing infrastructure.
Figure 2: Global models for R&D. SOURCE: Prof. R. Tummala

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