According to foreign media reports, former Intel CEO Craig Barrett recently wrote an article in Fortune magazine, calling for Intel to secure approximately $40 billion in financial support to maintain its competitiveness in advanced chip manufacturing.
Barrett emphasized that leading global chip foundries such as TSMC and Samsung have no immediate plans to fully introduce their most advanced processes to the United States. Against this backdrop, American tech companies seeking to ensure supply chain stability, bargaining power, and geographic diversity should consider supporting Intel's capacity expansion.
In his view, the most viable source of funding is Intel's core customer base. These companies generally have strong cash reserves. If eight customers could each invest $5 billion, it would provide critical support for Intel's R&D and production expansion. He specifically pointed out that waiting for customer commitments before making technology investments is not a viable strategy, as semiconductor technology leadership requires long-term, sustained investment, and leading companies will not choose immature technology solutions.
Barrett believes that Intel still has opportunities to catch up or even lead in cutting-edge technologies such as high-numerical aperture (HNA) extreme ultraviolet lithography and backside power supply, but the prerequisite is to initiate large-scale investment immediately. He recommended that clients participate through equity investment in exchange for future domestic production capacity and the option of a second supplier. He also suggested establishing certain mechanisms for importing advanced chips to enhance the attractiveness of domestic manufacturing.
He stated that supporting domestic semiconductor manufacturing should be considered as important as supporting other key industries. As long as all parties work together, and companies, customers, and management focus on addressing funding and technological development issues, Intel still has the opportunity to gain a key position in the global chip competition.
