The semiconductor industry plays a crucial role in supporting the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery. The pandemic highlighted the importance of ICT in supporting essential activities, and the need for a resilient society. However, the ICT supply chain faces unique challenges, such as operating restrictions and regulatory barriers, which can create disruptions and shortages. Policymakers should recognize and specify ICT components like semiconductors as "essential infrastructure" to avoid shortages and disruptions in medical care, food distribution, remote work, and infrastructure. This paper outlines the ways that semiconductors are supporting governments' responses to the pandemic, lessons learned from the pandemic's impact on the semiconductor supply chain, and steps policymakers can take to maintain production and shipments of essential ICT goods in preparation for future public health crises.
