THE LEARNING-CURVE IN THE PRODUCTION OF SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY CHIPS

The relevance of the learning curve in the production of semiconductor memory chips is examined. It is shown that the learning curve differs across quite similar products such as distinct types of memory chips. On the other hand, the learning curve does not show significant variation over successive generations of the same type of memory chip. It is then shown that the interpretation given to the heterogeneity of learning by the effects across chip types, and especially the importance of economies of scale, is consistent with some stylized facts from the industry.