Guatemala must accelerate the training of technicians and professionals in areas such as electrical engineering, software, physics and material science, If you want to access the large global semiconductor chainsthis according to Álvaro Figueredo, director of the Office of Technology Transfer of the University of Valle de Guatemala (UVG).
The need for human capital to develop the semiconductor industry in the country is one of the conclusions that suggests a study conducted by the Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute and delivered to the Ministry of Economy, which includes relevant information on human capital, productive infrastructure of industrial parks and the country’s connectivity.
From this evaluation, Guatemala will know how prepared it is to join the semiconductor value chain, according to information confirmed by the Vice Ministry of Investment and Competence of the Mineco.
A semiconductor is a material that can drive electricity at some times and block it in othersdepending on how it is designed. Unlike metals such as copper, which always conduct current, or insulators such as wood, which never let it pass, semiconductors can do both, according to a report from Stanford University. “This ability to” turn on or off “the passage of electricity is what allows you to manufacture the chips used by cell phones, computers, cars and many other devices,” says the text.
Profiles for the semiconductor sector
Consulted Kevin José Escobar, electronics instructor at Intecap, one of the main areas related to human capital that is required to integrate Guatemala into the semiconductor chain It is the engineering dedicated to research and development. In addition, they need Software specialist engineers, so that the evidence of the elements that is developed is responsible for.
Escobar also ensures that technicians focused on the study of electronics and materials are required, in order to include quality control issues. Along the same lines, Figueredo, points out that the physics and science of materials should be reinforced as well. “That they are not working at the pure science level, but know how to understand what problem we can solve today with this kind of thing,” Figueredo explained.
“A solid base for industrial design”
Guatemala could be integrated into the semiconductor value chain with international support. Among the options to get involved is the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund)from the United States. In addition, since last year, a road map executed by Taiwan was in the process, according to Mineco.
Taiwan’s evaluation stressed that Guatemala has a solid basis for industrial development, In addition to advantages such as its strategic geographical location, the proximity to the North American market and access via ports, according to vice ministry information. TIt was also pointed out that the study identified an abundant offer of renewable energy at competitive prices, as well as the existence of industrial parks and young human capital.
The Vice Ministry added that they continue to analyze said document shared by the Taiwan embassy and that the road map will be worked based on this, based on the road map to enter the value chain.
What is needed
One of the key points for Guatemala to be integrated into the semiconductor value chain is specialized human capital.
Wendy Mena, leader of the Invest Guatemala investment attraction team, said that, with the necessary human capital, the country becomes more attractive to begin developing this nature processes.
“What Taiwan has done for many years has been to open its doors to Guatemala for scholarship spaces”, Said Mena, who added that it is necessary to take advantage of these scholarships so that people can train on semiconductor related issues.
For Mena, the point of the chain in which Guatemala could be integrated It would be in the final or packaging. “Maybe it is the process with the lowest added value, but it requires less capital and specialization,” he explained. “That also means that there are the most current capabilities to insert in the chain,” he concluded.
On the other hand, Mena said an important aspect to develop the semiconductor market in Guatemala It is the creation of public policies. As indicated, betting on science and technology is possible with institutional strengthening. He argued that the Mineco should begin to promote a strategy to strengthen the country’s institutions and research capacities.
On the other hand, Mena said that an important aspect to develop the semiconductor market in Guatemala is the creation of public policies. He said, betting on science and technology is possible with institutional strengthening. He argued that the Mineco should begin to promote a strategy to strengthen the country’s institutions and research capacities.
According to the Mineco, the human capital necessary for Guatemala to join the semiconductor industry You must have a solid base in basic literacy and mathematics competences Stemin addition to soft skills such as the capacity for analysis and problem solving.
Escobar indicates that they currently have a research and development department, which is responsible for validating the different plans that could be applied in case of identifying a demand for knowledge. “In the same way I consider that it would not be supported by the countries that have currently implemented this type of industry,” said the instructor.
International Fund with USA.
Mena said the ITSI Fund, which supports countries such as Costa Rica in the field of semiconductors, could disappear. Trump said he will promote that there is no longer the fund, he said. According to Mena, Subsidies will be granted to the companies that have already received them, but the policy will be sought to the countries that sought to join.
“So that we can push the borders of science, multimillion dollar investments are needed that we are not in a position to do”, Said Figueredo, who added that what could begin to be done is to take existing technologies, apply them and create new products.
On the other hand, from the Vice Ministry of Mineco, it was assured that conversations with the United States and Taiwan continue. “They are particularly interested; through that, we hope, in a not very long term, to be able to specify a plan with detailed actions,” said the vice minister.