Technology and the New Diplomacy: The Creation and Control of Ec Industrial Policy for Semiconductors

This is a sectoral study in European political economy, exploring the changing nature of European Community policies for the semiconductor industry. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between large corporations and the European Commission in the creation and control of EC semiconductor policy. The author argues that transnational semiconductor firms, through their control of technology, have considerable relational power to set public policy and to influence the structure and operations market. With the gradual Europeanization of industrial policy, these companies have widened their policy bargaining sway and become established as EC policy partners. The power-play within EC policy making is investigated, alongside the linkage between EC industrial policy and the European integration process. In conclusion, the author reflects on whether the European Union can draw any useful policy lessons from United States and Japanese state-firm policy bargains in the spheres of semiconductor trade, research and development.