Department of Commerce looks for public help to restore US semiconductor industry to former glories

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) CHIPS for America initiative has asked for public input on two crucial departmental programs that aim to restore U.S. global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. The two programs were both authorized under the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act. “It is critically important to our prosperity and national security that we reestablish our leadership role in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio. “To do that, we need a whole-of-nation approach to solving this problem. That’s why we’re asking experts and stakeholders to provide important guidance as we design these programs for maximum impact while protecting the taxpayer’s investment in our nation’s future.” Chips and other semiconductor devices are critical components in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other advanced technologies and are a mainstay of the consumer products we use every day but unfortunately the industry was hard hit by the Covid19 pandemic which has led to a worldwide shortage of semiconductor chips. The CHIPS for America initiative has two main planks in its strategy. First of all, it provides financial incentives to encourage investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Its secondary aim is to establish collaborative networks for research and innovation that will ensure an enduring technological edge. The two Requests for Information (RFIs) announced today cover both aspects of the initiative.