An Increased Need for G2G, G2B and B2B Collaboration

By:  Jeff Rittener, Chief Trade Officer, Intel

As both sides of the Atlantic continue navigating new trade and business norms in light of the pandemic, the need for G2G, G2B and B2B collaboration to address the world’s greatest challenges has never been more apparent. This was made clear at the recent ministerial meeting of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which focused, among other things, on the need for digital tools in trade.  

Data and information play a crucial role in helping to track, triage and treat supply chain issues resulting from the pandemic and will continue to do so as we look to get ahead of future global challenges. For this reason, the U.S. and EU’s announced efforts to compile and exchange information on digital technology initiatives to simplify trade practices and develop joint best practices for is especially encouraging.  

Less encouraging is the slow evolution of multilateral trade regulations, which have lagged in comparison to the rate of change of global, digital economies. Such a delta highlights the importance of transformation and modernization.  

The premise of an infrastructure that facilitates automated global trade is promising. Toward that end, Intel recognizes the need for: 

• Increased engagement and collaboration between private and public sectors 
• Coordination and simplification of customs processes through intelligent automation 
• The development of altruistic approaches to sharing knowledge and best practices in modernizing customs regimes based on existing use cases and technology best practices 

Building Resilient Semiconductor Supply Chains 

The TTC’s statement following the recent meeting praised the U.S. and EU for progress on the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act and European Chips Act, both of which recognize the importance of cooperating on promoting resilient supply chains.  

In a recent blog, my colleague Hendrik Bourgeois, VP of Intel European Government Affairs, also called for the U.S. and EU to collaborate and cooperate to address common challenges in the area of semiconductors. Intel is pleased to see that the U.S. Department of Commerce and the European Commission will work together to establish an early warning mechanism to mitigate semiconductor supply chain disruptions and better share information and best practices for respective industry support programs.  

Intel supports the TTC’s intention to work with other likeminded countries to make similar commitments to transparency that will drive a geographically balanced semiconductor supply chain. We look forward to continuing work with our global partners and industry and government stakeholders to realize the goals of fostering more diverse and resilient supply chains and furthering the adoption of digital trade tools to promote efficiency.