Fortunes of High Tech

High-tech innovations have been propelling the Digital Revolution since the end of the Second World War. These advances were not self-evident, but actively pursued by many. A global playing field of entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, investors, public officials, and consumers stimulated inventiveness for commercial, intellectual, social, and political reasons. This book explores this dynamic of high-tech innovation by looking at the machinations behind the Digital Revolution. Literally. Technologies developed by the Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASM International culminated in the linchpin of the Digital Revolution – the computer chip. Chaired by its illustrious founder and long-time chief executive officer Arthur del Prado, ASM International has been innovating and anticipating technologies across the globe since the early beginnings of the semiconductor industry in 1958. The story of ASM International is a history full of achievements, disappointments, defining innovations, strategic lessons, and strong personalities. It shows the fortunes of high-tech innovation.

?Although I am not so sure that I will continue in this electronics industry, it is certain that in many ways these semiconductor developments are about to replace vacuum tubes. This makes the industry a very promising one to work in.?- 27-year-old Arthur del Prado in 1958?One of the least available talents is the individual who can look at the inertias of business, visualize the future, and chart a proper direction with the bold selections necessary for success. There is no question in my mind that Arthur del Prado has that talent. Perhaps he is too strong in capability.- Interim-Chief Operations Officer Ray Friant in 1992?All-in-all, this latest move by ASM is an interesting one: it is bold, and risky. ASM must be a believer of the saying ?big rewards are usually accompanied by big risk.??- A competitor in 2001