ASML scrambles to remedy a chip shortage that nobody saw coming

Even without pandemic-driven disruptions, chip demand would be booming right now, and will continue to boom for years to come. According to some estimates, the semiconductor market size will double to a trillion dollars by the end of the decade. And yet, nobody saw it coming.

Why not? To answer that question, ASML’s Roger Dassen tells about some remodeling he did at home recently. More specifically, about the new hardwood floors that have been put in. “These come with a sensor-directed climate conditioning system that prevents the wood from expanding or contracting too much. I’m no stranger to technological innovation, but I must admit I wasn’t prepared for that,” said the CFO during an interview following the presentation of Q4 2021 and full-year results.