OULU, FINLAND – Scanfil has lowered its annual revenue forecast due to material shortage challenges and a lowered demand in the fourth quarter.

TOKYO – Global sales of total semiconductor manufacturing equipment by original equipment manufacturers are forecast to set a new industry record, reaching $113 billion in 2024 and growing 6.5% year-over-year, SEMI announced in its Year-End Total Semiconductor Equipment Forecast – OEM Perspective at SEMICON Japan 2024.

BRONSCHHOFEN, SWITZERLAND – An affiliate of US investment firm One Equity Partners will make a cash offer of CHF84.6 million ($96.3 million) to take over Cicor, the company announced.

BILLINGSTAD, NORWAY – Kitron expects revenue between €635 million and €660 million ($667 million and $694 million) for the year, with strong growth in its Defense & Aerospace market sector.

WASHINGTON – Global semiconductor sales hit $56.9 billion during the month of October 2024, an increase of 22.1% compared to the October 2023 total of $46.6 billion and 2.8% more than September's total of $55.3 billion, the Semiconductor Industry Association announced.

NEEDHAM, MA – The global market for personal computing devices, including PCs and tablets, is set to grow 3.8% in 2024, reaching 403.5 million units, according to the latest forecast from IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker.

TAIPEI – Foxconn reported a 3.5% year-over-year increase in revenue for November, reaching the company's second-highest total for the month at NT672.6 billion ($20.8 billion).

SENAI, MALAYSIA – VS Industry reported MYR1.11 billion ($249 million) in revenue for its first quarter, down 2.6% from the same quarter last year.

SOLON, OH – Eagle Electronics has raised $14 million to build a new manufacturing facility here in partnership with CO-AX Technology.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – SEMI has published recommendations for the European Union to bolster its semiconductor ecosystem, urging new commissioners to implement legislation to advance the semiconductor sector given its role as a key driver of technological advancement, economic growth and ensuring Europe’s future competitiveness on the global stage.

MILPITAS, CA – Global semiconductor equipment billings increased 19% year-over-year to $30.4 billion in the third quarter, SEMI announced in its Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report.

I’m not one to harp on the supposed deficiencies of higher education. The reasons why not to are numerous, but foremost is the disconnect between what industry often wants from higher ed (I’m including colleges and universities in this mix, although there are certain fundamental differences that distinguish them) and what those institutions are designed to (and not to) do.

Universities and colleges are places to seek knowledge and conduct research. They are (generally) not out to make a buck, although I would point out that “nonprofit” does not equal “for loss.” And they aren’t designed to churn out employees ready-made for the working world. Hands-on training is left to those who know exactly what the job entails. Schools are too far from the center to keep up with changing industry needs.

And it’s to their credit, I think, that they have remained somewhat immune to the wider forces that constantly try to shape their approaches and output. Facts matter, and the aim for dispositive critical inquiry means following the scientific method as envisioned by Aristotle no matter where it leads.