Leiden University Student Repository

van der Leun, Eddy (2024)

Semiconductors with Chinese Characteristics: State Control and Successful Economic Statecraft

Master thesis | Asian Studies (60 EC) (MA)

The semiconductor sector is extremely interdependent and globalized. Despite this China aims to achieve more self-sufficiency and technological development. This study aims to explain the instances in which the Chinese state is successful in achieving its objectives in the semiconductor sector. Through the following research question: How can Chinese economic statecraft explain whether the Chinese State is able to control the semiconductor industry successfully ? By applying the theory of Chinese economic statecraft, this thesis incorporates the role and agency of firms in the analysis. Through case studies of Hisilicon and SMIC , the thesis explores the variables which explains whether the state is successful in achieving its objectives by incentivizing firms to align their operations with state objectives despite initial incompatible goals. Additionally, an unintentionality factor is added to account for external shocks faced by firms in the Chinese semiconductor sector.

Chinese economic statecraft

State control

semiconductors

Chinese semiconductor sector

Author

van der Leun, Eddy

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Politics, Society and Economics

Supervisors

Dr. J Wang

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en