In recent years, the 14th China International Semiconductor Lighting Forum and the 2017 International Third Generation Semiconductor Forum took place in Beijing. These two major events were jointly organized by the Shunyi District Government of Beijing, the Third-Generation Semiconductor Industry Strategic Innovation Alliance (CASA), and the National Semiconductor Lighting Engineering R&D and Industry Alliance (CSA). Industry experts highlighted that China's semiconductor lighting sector has transitioned from "taking the lead" to "leading the way," moving steadily toward becoming a global industrial power. Additionally, China's third-generation semiconductor applications are showing strong foundational advantages, with innovation in this field now ripe for accelerated development.
Since the launch of the National Semiconductor Lighting Project, the industry has experienced rapid growth. During the "Twelfth Five-Year Plan" period, the government intensified efforts to promote high-efficiency lighting products through strategic guidance, technological innovation, policy improvements, energy-saving initiatives, and application demonstrations. This push has helped drive a green transformation in the lighting sector.
Xu Qiang, Director of the National Energy Conservation Center under the National Development and Reform Commission, noted that the commission, in collaboration with several ministries, issued key documents such as the "Opinions on the Development of Semiconductor Lighting Energy-Saving Industry" and the "Semiconductor Lighting Energy-Saving Industry Plan." These measures have significantly improved energy efficiency in lighting and boosted the growth of the semiconductor industry.
According to recent data, over 600,000 general-purpose incandescent bulbs have been phased out, reducing their market share to below 5%. Through the "Huimin" project, more than 780 million energy-saving lamps and LED products have been promoted. In 2016, the industry's output value reached 520 billion yuan, marking a 23% increase compared to 2015. The number of listed companies with core LED operations rose from 2 in 2010 to 35, establishing China as the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of semiconductor lighting.
While semiconductor lighting represents the first successful application of third-generation semiconductors, these materials are also vital for next-generation power electronics, mobile communications, and optoelectronics. They are expected to bring disruptive changes in energy, transportation, and communication sectors, further supporting sustainable industrial growth.
Currently, China’s third-generation semiconductors are part of the 2030 National New Materials Major Project, and the country is at a crucial stage of R&D and industrialization. Compared to silicon-based semiconductors, the global third-generation industry is still in its early stages, but China's large market demand offers significant opportunities. It is anticipated that the entire innovation chain will soon reach world-leading levels.
Cao Jianlin, Chairman of the International Semiconductor Lighting Alliance and former Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, emphasized that China has already established a leading position in optoelectronics and is making strides in power electronics and microwave RF industries. He reiterated that the country has solid foundational advantages for third-generation semiconductor development.
Analysts note that international semiconductor giants have not yet formed dominant patents or standards, creating an opening for China. Domestic precision processing technology and supporting capabilities have advanced rapidly, enabling the development and gradual dominance of third-generation semiconductor equipment. With strong industrial transformation enthusiasm and a solid foundation in the LED sector, China is well-positioned for future growth.
It is important to recognize that the global semiconductor lighting industry is currently undergoing a period of intense competition and change, filled with both challenges and opportunities.
Sanan Optoelectronics, China’s first LED-listed company, has seen steady growth thanks to strong capital market support, laying a solid groundwork for third-generation semiconductor development. However, the company acknowledges that R&D in this field requires high technical barriers and substantial capital investment. Talent shortages, particularly in large-scale production and manufacturing, remain pressing issues for domestic firms.
Looking ahead, China aims to achieve world-leading third-generation semiconductor technology by 2025 and become the top in industrial scale. By 2030, the entire industry chain is expected to reach international advanced levels, with core device localization exceeding 70%.
Cao Jianlin suggested that regional strengths should be leveraged, with differentiated layouts, full-chain design, and integrated implementation to avoid redundant investments and unhealthy competition. He advocated building collaborative innovation models through alliances, integrating R&D and industrial capital, and deepening international cooperation. (Source: China Economic Net)
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