How Arizona Became America's Chip Hub
Show notes
How did Arizona become a major hub for Taiwanese semiconductor investment, and what did it take to make the partnership work?
In a new mini-series about “How Arizona Became America’s Chip Hub,” host Channing Lee visits Phoenix to speak with Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). Watson traces the relationship behind TSMC’s Arizona investment, beginning with a 2013 trip to Taiwan, years before a specific project was on the table. They discuss how Arizona brought government, industry, and universities together to attract investment, address the cost challenges of U.S. manufacturing, and build the supplier networks and talent base that semiconductor companies need. Watson explains how ACA serves as a single point of contact for businesses navigating different levels of government, and why consistent support across Republican and Democratic administrations helped build trust. The conversation also explores Arizona’s growing ties with Taiwan, opportunities in AI and healthcare, and what other states can learn from Arizona’s approach.
Strait Forward is a podcast by the Special Competitive Studies Project.