August 26 2026
Playing for a More Resilient Semiconductor Supply Chain
When demand is uncertain, lead times are long and information arrives too late, even careful decisions can turn out to be the wrong ones. Within Work Package 7 (WP7) of SC4EU, we are using an online game to make these challenges visible and easier to understand.
Why demand information matters
The goal of WP7 is to encourage companies to participate in the SC4EU demand surveys and to improve the quality of the information they provide. Reliable demand information can help semiconductor manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers and automotive manufacturers manage stock, prepare for shortages and avoid unnecessary orders.
The challenge is that this benefit is difficult to see from inside a single company. Each partner sees only its own orders, its own stock and its own delays. The game makes the rest of the picture visible.
How the game works
Together with Infineon, Involvation developed a flexible game covering all three parts of the supply chain. Players respond to changes in demand, lead times, inventory, back-orders and costs, and they see how a decision taken in one company can affect the entire chain — and why better information leads to better decisions.
The game can be played by people or simulated with automated players, known as bots. This allows us to test different situations, such as over-ordering during shortages, changing forecasts or adjusting inventory levels, and to repeat them under comparable conditions. Scores and performance indicators make the results clear and easy to compare.
What WP7 delivers
The key WP7 deliverables include the online game, personas for different target groups and a collection of scenarios and use cases. Together, these tools can support workshops, demonstrations, blogs and other communication activities. They help explain the value of sharing accurate demand information in a practical and engaging way.
Looking ahead
We will continue to improve the game and develop a catalogue of scenarios for different audiences. We will also work closely with other SC4EU work packages to connect the game, the surveys and the wider approach to engaging companies.
By experiential learning, WP7 is helping companies work towards a more resilient semiconductor supply chain.
