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McKinsey on Semiconductors Winter 2015
Winter 2015

McKinsey on Semiconductors, Issue 5

The big question facing the sector is what it will take to move beyond the current period of sluggish returns. Will the next year herald the start of the Semi 2.0 era—a new period of improved performance and value creation? Or will revenues and growth remain relatively flat? The articles in this issue directly address these questions.

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

Article

A new world under construction: China and semiconductors
– The ongoing transformation of the Chinese semiconductor sector requires all parties to raise their game.
Article

Internet of Things: Opportunities and challenges for semiconductor companies
– The nascent Internet of Things could open vast opportunities to semiconductor companies—provided that they prepare now.
Article

Memory: Are challenges ahead?
– The memory segment has been profitable since 2012. Can this continue as new technologies emerge and the competitive landscape evolves?
Interview

Ray Stata on the evolution of the semiconductor industry
– The cofounder of Analog Devices looks back on his long career and assesses the state of semiconductors today.
Article

Winning through M&A? Deal making in the semiconductor sector
– Semiconductor companies have much to gain through M&A if they can overcome their misconceptions and upgrade their execution strategy.
Article

Advanced driver-assistance systems: Challenges and opportunities ahead
– Semiconductor companies can help take ADAS applications to a new level—provided that they are ready to embrace change.
Article

Creating mutually beneficial partnerships with distributors
– By taking a new approach to sales-channel strategy and execution, semiconductor manufacturers are unlocking significant value from distribution.
Article

Improving the semiconductor industry through advanced analytics
– New techniques can help companies make better decisions by using accurate, reliable, and scientific information to analyze risk, optimize processes, and predict failure.
Article

Capital equipment: Will further shrink bring growth?
– The midterm outlook for the capital-equipment industry is positive, but companies need to prepare for the slowdown of Moore’s law.
Article

Ramping up at warp speed
– Fabs can reduce expansion costs and streamline ramps through a new approach that emphasizes data-driven decision making and better communication.

PREVIOUS ISSUE

Issue

McKinsey on Semiconductors, Issue 4
In this issue, we expand our analysis of an industry in transition. We size up the opportunity for the ‘Internet of Things,’ explore new sources of innovation and growth, and offer ways to optimize output.