Key Recommendations from ICEA
The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has outlined a comprehensive strategy for propelling India to the forefront of semiconductor design and intellectual property creation. Their recommendations, detailed in a recent report, emphasize the need for strategic investments, policy support, and innovative funding approaches.
Encourage Investments: ICEA urges large Indian corporations to invest in semiconductor design, recognizing it as a strategic sector crucial for technological advancement.
The report proposes the creation of a dedicated market exchange for electronics and the high-tech industry, fostering growth and innovation while positioning India as a global hub for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
ICEA warns against the potential threat of dumping from China and recommends vigilance to safeguard the domestic industry.
The report advocates for the inclusion of 'mask sets' in the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, effectively subsidizing their cost by up to 80% for Indian design firms. This aims to bolster the development of a robust Indian Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) framework.
ICEA proposes granting this sector strategic status, enabling access to low-cost funds and establishing a dedicated capital market system for the electronics and high-tech industry.
Recognizing the global shift in semiconductor manufacturing dynamics, particularly due to US sanctions on China, ICEA sees a strategic opportunity for India to advance into sub-14 nm technology nodes. The report suggests leveraging spare capacities, like TSMC's for 7nm technologies, to accelerate India's entry into advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
ICEA advocates for government investment in refurbished fabs, alongside support for semiconductor design firms and workforce development, to foster a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem.
Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of ICEA, emphasizes that India stands at a pivotal juncture in the evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing and high-tech. By implementing these strategic recommendations, India can redefine its role in the global semiconductor value chain and emerge as a leading player in this critical technology sector.