Labor productivity analysis in the global microelectronics market

Subject. The article addresses labor productivity in the established types of semiconductor companies for the production of integrated circuits (chips) – integrated and specialized, engaged only in design, only in manufacturing, and only assembly /testing /packaging. Objectives. The study aims at the analysis of labor productivity in leading companies of all types to identify differences in the magnitude and dynamics of changes over the past decade. Methods. We employed general scientific methods of analysis based on data from public reports of international organizations, analytical agencies, and leading companies. Results. The analysis shows significant differences in the size and dynamics of labor productivity of semiconductor companies of various types over the past decade. The multiple increase in labor productivity in fabless companies can be explained by economies of scale, however, the risks of supply chain disruption are increasing. Conclusions. Differences in labor productivity at the stages of chip design and production require optimization of the production chain depending on the requirements of end users. At the same time, the production and political risks of disrupting this chain are forcing developed countries to look for opportunities to build a closed chip production infrastructure within their own country or in friendly countries.