Mark Liu, the former executive chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), is spearheading a bold initiative to enhance American technology leadership. According to a statement released by the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Liu is establishing the Technology Competitiveness and Industrial Policy Center (TCIP) at the university, aiming to usher in a new era of advanced technology development and domestic production.
Bridging the gap between research and manufacturing
Liu has long warned that globalization has driven a wedge between upstream research and downstream manufacturing in high-tech industries. He explained that while groundbreaking innovations continue to emerge, these advances often fail to translate into domestic commercialization and wealth creation. "With the ever-increasing dependence of society on technology, this separation is eroding our nation's technology leadership, the cornerstone of economic power and national security," Liu stated. He emphasized the need for a national strategy that fortifies the entire pipeline from research to product development and manufacturing, ensuring robust end-market access.
Founder Mark LIu announcing the launch of the Technology Competitiveness and Industrial Policy Center at UC Berkeley on February 13, 2025. Credit: Brittany Hosea-Small
A center for independent policy guidance
The newly formed TCIP is set to provide independent scholarly advice to policymakers and lawmakers, offering guidance on technology policy that is critical to maintaining global leadership in research and advanced manufacturing. With sustained economic prosperity, national security, and societal well-being at stake, the center will serve as a strategic think tank to navigate the complexities of technology policy in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Shankar Sastry, the Thomas M. Siebel Professor in computer science at UC Berkeley, has been appointed as the faculty director of TCIP. The center will bring together experts from academia, industry, and non-profit sectors, with a group of leading thinkers set to advise its leadership. The initiative kicked off with a convening event at UC Berkeley on February 13, 2025, featuring a series of talks, panels, and discussions with influential leaders from various sectors.
Transition and future aspirations
Liu succeeded TSMC founder Morris Chang as the TSMC chairman in 2018 and stepped down from his position in June 2024.
In a recent twist to the semiconductor industry narrative, following former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger's retirement on December 1, 2024, there were reports that Intel had approached Liu regarding a potential leadership role. However, stringent non-compete clauses appeared to have been a significant barrier. Instead, Liu has chosen to channel his post-retirement energy into advocacy and the nurturing of technology policy with his alma mater.
Having recently received the Pan Wen-Yuan Prize, Liu shared insights into his retirement plans. "I'm now more inclined towards entrepreneurship—not for profit but to drive impactful change," he noted. "I've discussed the idea of establishing this think tank with the Berkeley president. It's an ideal that aligns with my strengths in advocacy. Returning to the US after retirement, seeing the daily growth of my grandson, fills me with immense satisfaction."
Founder Mark LIu addressing the audience at UC Berkeley to launch the Technology Competitiveness and Industrial Policy Center at UC Berkeley on February 13, 2025. Credit: Brittany Hosea-Small
