Whether it’s a winking face or a thumbs up, emojis add an emotional dimension to our digital communication with friends, family, and coworkers from around the world. Some would even say that emojis constitute a universal language, however, linguists aren’t so sure.

Whether in mobile phones, data centers, or cars – microchips are everywhere, and ongoing shortages affect countless industries worldwide. To boost innovation in the United States, Joe Biden recently signed the $280bn CHIPS and Science Act 2022, of which a large part, $52.7bn, is earmarked for the semiconductor industry. What justifies such an enormous government investment in one industry?