Microelectronics-challenges and changes in the next 15 years

Microelectronics is set to keep growing at the same pace as in the past for at least the next 15 years. This implies enormous challenges in terms of technology, economics and education. Simultaneously, it opens up huge opportunities for semiconductor and application industries. The progress of microelectronics leads to an exponential growth of "artificial intelligence". This may help solve serious challenges in various areas of daily life, e.g. in traffic systems, medicine, office and manufacturing technology, environmental issues, resourcing, human and machine communication and in both working and leisure. In order to attain this sort of growth, enormous challenges must to be met by the semiconductor industry in cooperation with the application industry and the nonindustrial research world. This article looks at the crucial areas for the future growth of microelectronics, including CMOS IC development, quantum effect devices, smart power, sensors, packaging, and MEMS technology, and also looks at the economic and educational challenges ahead.