ASU, Coahuila partnership demonstrates a model for semiconductor ecosystem development

Arizona State University welcomes Coahuila, Mexico leaders as the next phase of semiconductor workforce development strategy 

Arizona State University hosted an immersive semiconductor study tour for a high-level delegation from the Government of Coahuila, Mexico focused on workforce development, economic competitiveness and semiconductor ecosystem planning. The visit marked a major milestone in the partnership, bringing together leaders from government, academia and industry to discuss the findings of a semiconductor feasibility study and translate those recommendations into an actionable roadmap.

The ASU-Coahuila partnership reflects the university’s model for global engagement, bringing together governments, industry, and higher education institutions to co-develop practical, locally informed solutions that strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and advance long-term economic competitiveness. As part of this approach, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering developed a Semiconductor Pre-feasibility Study for the State of Coahuila that evaluated the state’s industrial capabilities and competitive advantages while identifying opportunities for the state in the semiconductor value chain. The Arizona Study Tour served as the next phase of the partnership, giving Coahuila’s leadership the opportunity to validate the study’s findings through direct engagement with the Arizona ecosystem. Throughout the visit, the delegation met with ASU leaders to review the study's findings, exchange ideas and explore how Arizona's approach to workforce development and public-private collaboration can help inform future initiatives in the state.

"Our role isn’t simply to provide recommendations," said Jeffrey Goss, Associate Vice Provost, Assistant Dean and Executive Director of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. "We work alongside our partners through every stage, from assessing opportunities to facilitating immersive study tours that connect leaders with the Arizona ecosystem.Together, the feasibility study and study tour provide a framework for informed decision-making and long-term collaboration that supports sustainable workforce and economic development."

The first day of the study tour introduced the delegation to Arizona's economic development ecosystem through meetings with the City of Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority and representatives of the industry like Siemens. Discussions focused on the partnerships, policies and investment strategies that have helped Arizona become one of the nation's leading semiconductor hubs.

"The pre-feasibility study gives us an objective understanding of where Coahuila stands today and where our greatest opportunities lie," said Luis Eduardo Olivares Martínez, Secretary of Economy for the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza. "Seeing how Arizona has aligned government, industry and higher education around a shared vision helps us better understand how those recommendations can be translated into actions that strengthen our economy and attract future investment in our state." 

The study tour continued at ASU, where the delegation met with university leaders to examine the findings of the Pre-feasibility study in greater detail and discussed workforce development, micro credentials, supply chain opportunities and future planning. Meetings also highlighted Arizona State University's role in supporting industry through engineering education, applied research and professional learning programs.

"Talent is at the center of every successful industrial ecosystem," said Emanuel Garza Fishburn, Secretary of Education for the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza. "One of the most valuable aspects of this study tour has been learning how Arizona connects education with industry needs. Those lessons will help us continue strengthening our institutions and preparing students for the opportunities created by advanced manufacturing."

"Building a semiconductor ecosystem begins with understanding where your strengths and opportunities lie," said Diego Flores Jiménez, Head of Electronics and Digital Industry at Mexico's Secretariat of Economy. "This pre-feasibility study reflects Arizona's role as an ally in developing Mexico's semiconductor industry, helping us validate ideas and identify practical opportunities to strengthen our capabilities."

“This collaboration with Arizona State University gives us a clearer path to move from strategy to action,” said Antonio Hernandez, Director General of Economic Development for the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza. “By connecting Coahuila’s industrial strengths with workforce development, industry needs and new opportunities across the semiconductor value chain, we can continue building the conditions to attract investment and strengthen the state’s long-term competitiveness.”

With the study completed, the partnership now moves from planning to implementation. ASU and the Government of Coahuila will continue working together to advance workforce development, strengthen regional competitiveness and support new opportunities in the semiconductor industry.