To address US technology challenges and provide policy guidance, focusing on innovation and manufacturing growth, Mark Liu, former TSMC chairman, has launched a think tank at UC Berkeley.
Mark Liu, the former executive chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), has launched a new initiative to strengthen US technology leadership.
He has established a Technology Competitiveness and Industrial Policy Centre (TCIP), based at the University of California, Berkeley, and seeks to address challenges in technology development and domestic manufacturing in the US.
The centre will provide independent, expert advice on technology policy to help US policymakers maintain leadership in research and manufacturing. The centre will unite academic, industry, and non-profit leaders to guide its efforts.
Furthermore, Shankar Sastry, a computer science professor at UC Berkeley, has been appointed as the faculty director. The initiative was officially launched on February 13, 2025, at an event featuring discussions and presentations from key sector figures.
Liu has advocated for a national strategy that integrates the entire pipeline from research to high-tech product development and manufacturing, addressing a wide gap caused by globalisation.
He has noted that while significant innovations continue to emerge, they often fail to be commercialised domestically, hindering economic growth and national security.
Liu decided to focus on technology policy after his departure from TSMC in June 2024, following his tenure as chairman from 2018. Although reports suggested that Intel had approached him for a leadership role following the retirement of CEO Pat Gelsinger, Liu chose not to pursue the opportunity due to non-compete clauses.
In a recent statement, Liu noted his interest in entrepreneurship and social impact, rather than financial gain, following his retirement. Personally, he expressed satisfaction in returning to the US and witnessing the growth of his grandson.
