Integration has surpassed supply chain constraints to become the primary challenge for enterprises relying on semiconductors, according to new research from HCL Technologies . The survey of 300 senior leaders highlights a shift in focus from silicon performance to engineering partnerships.

The report, titled The Silicon Shift: When Every Industry Becomes a Chip Industry, covers automotive, medical devices, network equipment, and industrial automation sectors. Respondents were based in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Rising Dependency and AI Influence

Dependency on semiconductors has intensified across industries. 98% of surveyed enterprises report being more dependent on semiconductors than three years ago. Nearly all respondents, 99%, expect this dependency to increase over the next five years.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping strategic priorities. 71% of respondents state that AI is increasing the importance of semiconductor architecture as a strategic business decision. Industrial automation shows the strongest acceleration in dependency, with 75% reporting significantly higher reliance compared to three years ago.

Integration as the Primary Hurdle

While supply chain issues remain relevant, integration emerged as the leading concern. It was cited as the primary reason current solutions fall short, outpacing both supply constraints and performance limitations. Integration was the top concern in medical devices and industrial automation and featured in the top two challenges across all four sectors studied.

To address these gaps, enterprises are prioritizing specific capabilities in their engineering partners:

• Hardware and software integration (67%)
• Supply chain and lifecycle support (61%)
• Deeper industry expertise (59%)

Shift Away from Off-the-Shelf Silicon

Current reliance on commercial silicon is high but expected to decline. 79% of enterprises currently rely entirely or mostly on off-the-shelf silicon with limited customization. However, 66% expect to move to a different model within five years.

Most companies are turning to external collaboration rather than internal development. 59% of respondents expect their future approach to involve external engineering partners, hybrid models, co-development, or engineering services. In contrast, only 3% plan to increase internal investment in custom silicon, and 4% expect greater reliance on off-the-shelf components.

What the Numbers Show

The data reveals a clear divergence between current procurement habits and future strategic intent. While 79% of firms currently depend on off-the-shelf solutions, only 4% plan to maintain or increase that reliance. This suggests a massive upcoming shift toward partner-led development models, driven by the complexity of integration rather than just chip availability.

HCL Technologies launched HCLTech Pulse on September 17, 2026. The dedicated business unit targets enterprises with annual revenues between $500 million and $5 billion, helping them safely scale artificial intelligence, modernize technology foundations, and accelerate growth.

Strategic Focus

HCLTech Pulse is designed for organizations with enterprise-scale ambitions that have historically had to stitch together niche providers across strategy, platforms, implementation, and operations. It integrates AI strategy, data, cyber, platforms, engineering, and business-process transformation into a single agenda. This approach moves clients beyond isolated AI initiatives toward comprehensive transformation.

Peter Bendor-Samuel, Founder and Executive Chairman of Everest Group, described the segment as an approximately $400 billion global technology-services opportunity growing at 7–9% annually. He noted that the market rewards providers combining deep technology expertise with industry context and integrated delivery models as organizations move from experimentation to scaled deployment.

Leadership Perspective

C Vijayakumar, CEO and Managing Director of HCLTech, stated that AI is rewriting the economics of growth. He emphasized that the real advantage goes to enterprises reimagining processes from the ground up rather than merely automating existing workflows.

Ashish Kumar Gupta, Global Head of New Business Incubation Group at HCLTech, said the unit responds to an unmet need by bringing sharp focus and senior attention to client priorities. The goal is simplifying transformation and accelerating time to value.

Service Portfolio

The unit extends the company’s full portfolio with a delivery model purpose-built for this segment. Key focus areas include:

• AI strategy and implementation rooted in safety and responsible AI
• Data and AI platforms
• Cloud transformation
• Application and enterprise-platform modernization
• Cybersecurity
• Engineering services
• Managed services

Through this integrated approach, HCLTech Pulse will help clients develop the capabilities required to adopt AI safely, with greater speed, confidence, and governance, building sustained competitive advantage.

Company Context

HCLTech employs more than 223,000 people across 60 countries. Consolidated revenues for the 12 months ending June 2026 totaled $14.8 billion. The company provides industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology & Services, Semiconductor, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, Mobility and Public Services.