Part 4/9:
The increasing complexity inherent in producing advanced semiconductors is daunting. Presently, the fabrication process involves 600 to 1,000 intricate steps, making it financially challenging, especially for smaller companies. Consequently, the number of firms involved in producing cutting-edge chips has dwindled from 19 in 2001 to just four major players today: GlobalFoundries, Intel, Samsung, and TSMC. This consolidation reflects a strategic shift where many companies now focus on the production of older, more easily manufactured chips that are still widely used across various industries.