Silicon Sovereignty
Securing Chips, Compute, and Capacity for a Free World
No freedom without fabs. No strategy without silicon.
Kennedy at Semicon West Conference in Phoenix - October, 2025.
Why Silicon Sovereignty Matters
- Semiconductors are the bedrock of modern power—the hidden infrastructure behind AI, cloud computing, precision weapons, quantum research, and every connected system in the 21st century.
- But today’s chip supply chains are fragile, geographically concentrated, and exposed to authoritarian chokepoints.
“We don’t win the AI race with slogans—we win it with silicon. Sovereignty starts with capacity.”
What’s at Stake
- National security: Military systems, satellites, and cyber defense all depend on secure chip supply.
- Economic leadership: Chips drive innovation across every industry—from autos to agriculture.
- Allied resilience: No single country can dominate the stack. Trusted production must be distributed among aligned nations.
- AI advantage: Sovereignty in chips means sovereignty in compute—and in the future of intelligence itself.
Key Dimensions of Silicon Sovereignty
- Fabrication: Domestic and allied chip production (CHIPS Act, TSMC Arizona, Samsung Texas)
- Design & IP: Open-source design ecosystems vs proprietary architectures
- Talent: Engineering education, H-1B reform
- Allied Alignment: Interoperability, procurement coordination, and trust frameworks
Insights & Engagements
🏛️ Engaging Administration or Congress, 📰 Op-Ed / Article / Quoted 🎙️ Podcast ✍️ Policy Brief 👥 Roundtable / Event 🎤 Speaking 🎥 TV/Video 🌐 Global
Achieving Both Security & Global Market Leadership
Building Supply Chains & Partnerships
- 🎤 🇨🇦 Speech: Partnering on Technology, Trade and Energy - U.S. National Intelligence Council at Embassy of Canada - September 27, 2023
🎤 Related Keynotes
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🔷 Featured Insights
360° View of How Southeast Asia Can Attract More FDI in Chips and AI - Wilson Center Policy Brief - April 1, 2025
America’s AI Strategy: Playing Defense While China Plays to Win (critique of AI Diffusion Rule) - Wilson Center Policy Brief - January 24, 2025