Intel’s CEO Charts Bold New Course With Foundry Business Revamp

Strategic Reassessment of Manufacturing Technology

Intel Corp. is poised to undergo a significant transformation in its contract manufacturing strategy, according to sources with insight into the developing plan. In a decisive move, CEO Lip-Bu Tan is considering a strategic pivot that would see the company cease offering its long-established 18A and 18A-P chipmaking technologies to external clients. This approach represents a notable departure from the path set by his predecessor, with potentially steep financial implications.

Revisiting Established Investments

Since assuming the helm in March, Tan has been aggressively streamlining operations and pursuing avenues to reinvigorate the legacy U.S. chipmaker. His recent focus has shifted towards minimizing the emphasis on 18A technology—once a cornerstone manufacturing process developed at great cost—which is now viewed as less competitive compared to evolving industry standards, including rival advancements spearheaded by TSMC. This reorientation comes as industry analysts estimate that discontinuing external sales of the technology could lead to write-offs in the hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars.

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Competitive Landscape and Future Prospects

Intel’s recalibration of its manufacturing strategy is being viewed in the context of intense global competition. With TSMC’s N2 production timeline on track, Tan’s preliminary approach is to allocate greater resources to the next-generation 14A process—positioning it as a formidable contender against TSMC’s technology. This move is designed to woo high-profile clients such as Apple and Nvidia, who are currently reliant on TSMC for their chip production. The proposed strategy, which includes detailed discussions with Intel’s board in upcoming meetings, underscores the high stakes involved.

Balancing In-House Requirements and External Commitments

Despite a potential strategic shift, Intel is committed to fulfilling existing obligations. The company will continue to use the 18A process for in-house chip production, including its upcoming Panther Lake laptop series slated for 2025. Additionally, limited production for key clients like Amazon and Microsoft will persist, fulfilling urgent contractual deadlines while the 14A process is further refined.

Forward Momentum Amid Market Challenges

Facing unprecedented financial pressures—exemplified by a record unprofitable year in 2024 with an $18.8 billion net loss—Tan’s recalibration strategy reflects not only a commitment to technological innovation but also a calculated effort to restore Intel’s competitive edge. By leveraging decades of industry relationships and expertise, Tan is orchestrating a turnaround that could reinvigorate Intel’s manufacturing prowess, drive significant investments in critical processes, and ultimately realign the company’s market positioning.

As Intel navigates this transformative era, the industry will be watching closely to see whether the pivot to 14A can deliver the competitive advantages necessary to reclaim leadership in the semiconductor industry.

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Cyprus Ranks Among The EU’s Fastest-Growing Populations In 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 22, 2026

Cyprus Emerges As A Demographic Outlier In Europe

Cyprus recorded one of the fastest-growing populations in the European Union in 2025, according to the latest Eurostat data. With population growth of 13.7 per 1,000 inhabitants, the island ranked second among the bloc’s 27 member states, behind only Malta (24.1) and ahead of Luxembourg (13.1).

The figures set Cyprus apart at a time when much of Europe is facing ageing populations, declining birth rates and mounting labour shortages.

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A Different Demographic Story

Population growth across the EU remained modest in 2025, increasing by just 1.6 per 1,000 people. The picture, however, was far from uniform. Sixteen member states recorded population gains, while eleven experienced declines.

Malta, Cyprus and Luxembourg posted the strongest growth rates, while Latvia (-8.3), Estonia (-6.8) and Hungary (-5.4) recorded the steepest population losses.

As of January 1, 2026, Cyprus had a population of 996,600. While one of the EU’s smallest member states, it continues to outperform many larger economies on demographic growth.

Growth Driven By Births And Migration

Cyprus stands out because its population is expanding through both natural increase and migration, a combination that has become increasingly uncommon across Europe.

The country was one of only six EU member states where births exceeded deaths in 2025, joining Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta and Sweden. Across the EU as a whole, the opposite was true: 4.81 million deaths were recorded against 3.46 million births, leaving the bloc with a natural population decline of roughly 1.35 million people.

Migration more than compensated for that shortfall. Net migration added around 2.05 million people across the EU in 2025, reinforcing its role as the bloc’s primary source of population growth.

Cyprus ranked among the strongest performers here as well. Net migration reached 11.3 people per 1,000 inhabitants, trailing only Malta (23.9) and Spain (11.8).

Why The Numbers Matter

Demographic trends increasingly shape economic performance. Population growth influences labour supply, consumer demand and the long-term sustainability of pension systems and public finances.

For most European countries, migration has become essential to offset declining birth rates. Cyprus is unusual because it combines strong inward migration with positive natural population growth, giving it a demographic profile that few EU members currently share.

Whether that advantage translates into stronger long-term economic performance will depend on how effectively the country integrates new residents, expands its workforce and converts population growth into higher productivity.

As Europe searches for ways to sustain growth despite an ageing population, Cyprus offers an early example of how demographic resilience can become an economic advantage.

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