Conquering semiconductor's economic challenges by increasing capital efficiency

Improving capital efficiency currently offers the best opportunities to overcome the economic challenges facing us today. With at best only 50% efficiency in our fabs, the scope for improvement is huge. However, as we continually leap from generation to generation, the question is how? Semiconductor manufacturers need to look carefully at improvements in existing fabs; and equipment suppliers at improving reliability and increasing upgradeability. All our equipment needs to function efficiently in a single, highly productive and cost-effective production system. This will require strong partnership and imaginative thinking to develop innovative solutions.