Pillar 1: Ecosystem Coordination and Governance

Written By Manuel Molina

Establish structured, multisector coordination to align vision, capabilities, and investment around Sonora’s ATP strategy — in strong alignment with Arizona’s semiconductor ecosystem.

KEY ACTIONS

  1. Establish the ATP Task Force and Coordination Hub. Formalize a multisector governance body (public, private, and academic) to lead Sonora’s ATP roadmap. Ensure active participation from Arizona stakeholders, and establish regular coordination with key partners such as the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), Arizona State University (ASU), and U.S.-based semiconductor firms.

  2. Create a Permanent Semiconductor Coordination Office. Set up a lightweight, neutral institution (e.g., hosted by a university or tech cluster) to track KPIs, coordinate agencies, and serve as a single interface for investors. Include a dedicated liaison based in Phoenix to maintain ongoing alignment with Arizona actors and binational initiatives.

  3. Develop a Multiyear Strategic Plan and Accountability Framework. Anchor the ATP roadmap in a shared performance model with transparent milestones. Ensure KPI frameworks are compatible with Arizona workforce and training metrics to enable joint monitoring and reporting.

  4. Engage Training Intermediaries and Standards Bodies. Collaborate with organizations such as the SEMI Foundation, IPC, and NIIT to co-develop technician training pipelines. Leverage Arizona’s intermediary networks and explore joint implementation of certifications, faculty development, and earn-to-learn models.

  5. Map Overlaps Across Pillars for Cross-Cutting Action. Identify shared responsibilities (e.g., between policy, infrastructure, and talent) to prevent silos and accelerate execution. Actively integrate Arizona partners into cross-cutting initiatives where supply chains, training systems, and infrastructure planning require binational coordination.

Related Field Notes

Field Notes
Alignment Beats Attraction

One of the most common strategies regions pursue is this: land a major investor — and let the rest fall into place.

It feels efficient. It looks bold. It creates headlines.

And for a while, it works.

But in semiconductors — and especially in backend operations like Assembly, Test, and Packaging (ATP) — this approach hits a wall.

Read More →
Don’t Build It Alone

It’s tempting to think we can get this done by working harder inside our own institutions — more budget, better programs, stronger messaging. But the truth is, the kind of change Sonora is aiming for won’t come from one actor doing more. It will come from many actors doing it together — on purpose, with clarity, and with each other.

Read More →
Manuel Molina

De 1993 a 1997, como directivo en InfoSel, formé parte del equipo que desarrolló la primer red de acceso a Internet en México, instalando nodos de acceso y oficinas comerciales en 32 ciudades del país. Desde entonces he dedicado mi vida a investigar las formas en que la tecnología influye en el comportamiento humano.

Estoy particularmente interesado en redes, plataformas y protocolos con el potencial de:

1) Ampliar el acceso al conocimiento (educación, aprendizaje, análisis de datos, nuevas ideas)

2) Ampliar el acceso al capital (sistema financiero actual, crypto, capital humano, infraestructura tecnológica)

3) Ampliar el acceso al bienestar (salud, wellness, comunidad, entretenimiento, diversión)

Más acerca de mi aquí: https://www.sailorseven.org/acerca

https://sailorseven.org
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Pillar 2: Workforce, Talent & Academic Alignment