WBG policy research

Wide-bandgap semiconductors: from investment to usable supply.

Overall problem

Building a semiconductor factory does not automatically create usable supply. Chips still need packaging, application testing, customer acceptance, dependable supply access, and long-term support. This research asks how policy can connect investment with technology that people can actually use.

Value chain

Example route: silicon carbide for electric-vehicle traction.

  1. MaterialsPrepare suitable material and substrates
  2. EpitaxyBuild the required semiconductor layers
  3. Device fabricationTurn prepared wafers into devices
  4. Packaging & testConnect, protect, cool, and test devices
  5. System integrationAssess the device in its application
  6. Operation & supportKeep accepted supply available and supportable

Key outcomes

  • Assess usable supplyA framework that looks beyond factory capacity to qualification, access, and support.
  • Target policy supportA way to examine where packaging, testing, customer acceptance, or supply continuity needs attention.
  • Keep applications separateAssess each technology route against its intended use, rather than combining unlike demand totals.