Chip manufacturers cannot keep up with production. Suppliers like the Swiss company VAT are also struggling with the AI boom.

The AI boom is driving chip demand, but manufacturers and suppliers like VAT are reaching their capacity limits. Despite 700 new hires in the first half of the year, VAT cannot fully meet the flood of orders, which is due to a threefold increase in demand for AI chips.

The global chip industry is struggling with unprecedented demand, fueled by the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence. A striking example of this development is the Swiss vacuum valve manufacturer VAT, an essential supplier for semiconductor production. Despite hiring 700 new employees in the first half of the year alone, the company cannot fully meet the high flood of orders, which is attributed to a tripling of demand for AI chips. This situation illustrates the immense challenges and opportunities brought about by the current boom in the technology sector.

The bottleneck in chip manufacturing is a systemic problem that runs through the entire value chain. Not only the end producers of chips, but also their suppliers of specialized machinery, materials, and components are under massive pressure. Supply chains are strained, and capacity expansions often take years from planning to commissioning. This situation is further complicated by geopolitical factors and the desire for greater resilience in production, leading to increased investment in new manufacturing facilities in various regions – a trend that further fuels the need for qualified personnel.

Shortage of Skilled Workers in High Technology

The aggressive recruitment at companies like VAT, coupled with the ongoing needs of the entire semiconductor industry, reveals a significant shortage of skilled workers. It is not only engineers and technical specialists who are sought after, but also managers with business understanding and strategic foresight. The complexity of global supply chains, the necessity for agile production processes, and the rapid cycles of technological innovation require leaders who can think and act interdisciplinary.

For prospective MBA and Master's students in the DACH region, these developments open up remarkable career prospects. Degree programs focusing on Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Technology and Innovation Management, or even specifically on digitalization and AI, offer ideal preparation for leadership positions in this dynamic environment. Graduates with comprehensive business knowledge, complemented by an understanding of technological processes and global contexts, are highly sought after. They can help master the strategic challenges in the chip industry and navigate companies through phases of explosive growth. The industry needs not only excellent technicians but also managers who understand the business and can successfully implement scaling processes.