Semiconductors and their relevance
Semiconductors form the foundation of modern technologies, being a key component in the operation of electronic devices specified as smartphones, computers, electrical cars or medical equipment. However, their function goes beyond consumer electronics. Semiconductors are essential in the improvement of artificial intelligence, supercomputers and military technologies. It makes it possible to process immense amounts of data, which is utilized in automation, device learning and research.
The competitive advantage in production and access to semiconductors is in fact a conflict to control the future of global technologies. As the US administration points out, in the incorrect hands these technologies can become a threat, leading to the improvement of weapons of mass destruction, mass surveillance or cyber attacks.
What does the Ministry of Digital Affairs say?
The Ministry of Digitisation considers the situation problematic in a later perspective.
While this and next year the alleged limit set by the American administration will not halt the improvement of artificial intelligence in Poland, in the long word this is simply a problem of the arbitraryity of decisions taken by the American administration in isolation from all trade rules – assessed Secretary of State at the Ministry of Digital Affairs Dariusz Standerski.
Standerski besides reported that with respect to public funds and resources, The Ministry plans to at least double its computing capacity in Poland. This leaves Poland below 10% of the stated limit. Therefore, no problems are foreseen this year.
On the another hand, the problem arises erstwhile we talk about multi-annual planning and talk about uncertainty, due to the fact that this map is pre-set for the year 2027, but a fresh administration will come, it can arrange the planet completely differently. This causes problems in public procurement, it causes problems in planning not only in Poland, but besides in another parts of Europe. – he added.
Reason for imposing restrictions
In 2024, Joe Biden's administration introduced fresh rules on exports of advanced technologies, including semiconductors. Their nonsubjective is to limit access to the latest technologies to countries considered a possible threat to US national security. According to the White House, the fresh regulations aim to defend the global dominance of American technologies and prevent the usage of artificial intelligence for military or authoritarian purposes. The White home paper highlights the risks associated with uncontrolled improvement of AI.
Photo XWhy, then, has Poland besides been affected? The main reason is to measure strategical cooperation with the US. Countries that have unlimited access to semiconductors are considered key allies, and their technological improvement is in Washington's interest. Poland, despite belonging to NATO, was considered a little crucial partner in this area.
Experts note that this decision may besides have economical implications. The restrictions imposed on Poland can reduce competition in the high-tech market, which promotes dominance of companies from the US and Western Europe.
Experts and European Commission protest
On this issue, a joint message was issued by Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, and Commissioner Marosz Szczowicz. Brussels expressed her concerns about Washington:
We believe that it is besides in the interests of the US economy and safety that the EU should buy from the US advanced artificial intelligence systems without restrictions: we are working closely together, in peculiar in the area of security, and we are an economical chance for the US, not a threat to security.
