Comparative Analysis between Intel Corporation and AMD in the Context of the IT Industry in Romania

Abstract

This scientific work delves into the remarkable surge of international trade in high-tech products observed globally over the past decade. Emphasizing their pivotal role in European Commission policies, particularly in environmental and climate-related discussions concerning our digital future and economic stability, the study provides key insights from Eurostat's analysis of extra-EU high-tech product trade. Noteworthy points include a steady 4.9% average annual increase in total trade outside the EU from 2011 to 2021, with high-tech products' share in total trade growing from 14.7% to 18.1% over the same period. China emerges as the principal partner for imports into the EU, while the United States takes the lead in exports from the EU. Eurostat's data further reveals a substantial rise in total extra-EU trade (imports + exports) in high-tech products, surging from €482 billion EUR to €777 billion EUR between 2011 and 2021, indicating an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. Imports escalated from €248 billion to €392 billion, experiencing an average annual growth rate of 4.7%, whereas exports showed slightly stronger growth, increasing from €234 billion to €385 billion, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. This led to a reduction in the European Union's trade deficit, plummeting from €14 billion EUR to €7 billion EUR. Additionally, the study examines the IT industry in Romania, characterized by steady and sustainable growth according to the Employers' Association of the Software and Services Industry (ANIS). The industry's value soared from 4.6 billion euros in 2015 to over 9 billion euros in 2022, signifying a substantial impact on the country's gross domestic product (GDP), reaching 7%. Bucharest holds the largest market share at 60%, followed by Cluj at 18%. To provide comprehensive insights into the Romanian microprocessor market, the study employed an online questionnaire from December 3, 2022, to January 3, 2023. Participants were invited to respond to 22 questions, 16 of which were closed-ended, while 6 were open-ended. The questionnaire primarily focuses on gathering objective data related to the microprocessor market in Romania, particularly from the perspectives of industry leaders INTEL and AMD. Following the administration of the aforementioned questionnaire, a total of 485 responses were gathered from individuals aged between 18 and 70 years old. The aggregation of the received responses yielded valuable information on various aspects including gender distribution, age demographics, professional fields, budget allocation for processors, annual spending on IT components, and preferences for processor manufacturers, among others. These insights provide a comprehensive overview of the Romanian microprocessor market, offering crucial data for companies operating in this industry to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.