SIA Appoints Jaclyn Kellon to Drive Global Semiconductor Policy
Washington, Thursday, 17 July 2025.
Jaclyn Kellon joins SIA as Director of Global Policy, emphasizing supply chain and cybersecurity, with a focus on Southeast Asia and India, to enhance policy advocacy in the semiconductor sector.
Strategic Focus on Supply Chain and Cybersecurity
Jaclyn Kellon’s appointment as Director of Global Policy at the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) underscores a strategic emphasis on bolstering supply chain security and cybersecurity, specifically in Southeast Asia and India. This region, pivotal for semiconductor production and exports, faces numerous challenges including geopolitical tensions and cybersecurity threats [1]. Kellon’s previous experience as a foreign affairs officer at the U.S. Department of State involved advancing semiconductor technology policy, highlighting her extensive expertise in addressing these critical issues [5].
Impacts on the Global Semiconductor Market
The semiconductor industry witnessed significant growth in 2024, with sales reaching $630.5 billion, surpassing projections, and setting the stage for an estimated 11.2% industry expansion in 2025. This growth correlates with increased demands for AI technologies and a growing semiconductor market worldwide [4]. However, recent U.S. considerations to terminate waivers for major chipmakers affecting Taiwan and other Asian countries threaten to disrupt this growth trajectory [2].
European Electronics Sector: Opportunities and Challenges
For the European electronics sector, the policy shifts in semiconductor exports to China, driven by geopolitical dynamics, present both challenges and opportunities. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF, reflecting industry health, witnessed a downturn following waiver termination announcements, signaling potential volatility. European manufacturers may need to consider reshoring and increasing regional partnerships to mitigate these risks [2][3]. The investment of over $500 billion planned for the U.S. semiconductor sector by 2032 emphasizes the increasing push for national self-sufficiency in semiconductor production, a model Europe might consider [4].
Actionable Insights for Decision-Makers
Decision-makers within the European electronics industry must navigate these complexities by investing in policy advocacy and fostering partnerships to secure supply chains. Establishing ‘geopolitical nerve centers’ could offer a competitive edge, allowing companies to swiftly adapt to changes in global trade dynamics. Policymakers are urged to prioritize the development of robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect these critical infrastructures [3][5].