Archive · 18 Sep 2026
HCLTech Report Finds Integration Is Semiconductor Industry’s Biggest Hurdle
HCLTech studied how companies use computer chips in their products and operations.
The report says connecting chips with hardware and software is now the industry’s biggest problem.
This challenge is considered more important than supply shortages.
Almost all surveyed companies said they rely on chips more than they did three years ago.
Nearly all also expect that reliance to grow over the next five years.
Artificial intelligence is making chip design more important to business decisions.
Industrial automation showed the fastest increase in chip dependence.
Companies are looking to engineering service providers for help with integration and supply chains.
Many companies may also move away from using only ready-made chips within five years.
HCLTech’s global report identifies integration as the semiconductor industry’s biggest challenge, surpassing supply chain constraints.
The study surveyed 300 senior leaders across the United States, Europe and Asia.
Ninety-eight percent of enterprises said their semiconductor dependence has increased over three years, while 99% expect further growth.
Artificial intelligence is increasing the strategic importance of semiconductor architecture, according to 71% of respondents.
Enterprises are seeking engineering partners for hardware-software integration, supply chain support and industry expertise.
- Who
- HCLTech and 300 senior leaders in engineering, research and development, semiconductor, hardware, product, innovation and technology strategy roles.
- What
- A HCLTech report found that integration has overtaken supply chain constraints as the semiconductor industry’s biggest challenge.
- When
- The report was released on Friday; the articles do not specify the date.
- Where
- The survey covered enterprises in the United States, Europe and Asia.
- Why
- Growing semiconductor dependence, the strategic impact of artificial intelligence and complex product environments are increasing the need for effective integration.
- Report title
- The Silicon Shift: When Every Industry Becomes a Chip Industry
- Survey size
- 300 senior leaders
- Enterprise dependence
- 98% said they are more dependent on semiconductors than three years ago
- Expected growth
- 99% expect semiconductor dependence to increase over the next five years
- Artificial intelligence impact
- 71% said artificial intelligence is increasing the strategic importance of semiconductor architecture
- Fastest-growing sector
- Industrial automation, with 75% reporting much greater semiconductor reliance
- Partnership priorities
- 67% cited hardware-software integration, 61% supply chain and lifecycle support, and 59% deeper industry expertise