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Following several major investments by semiconductor manufacturers in Arizona, state officials are leading a drive to launch a new industry initiative.
The National Semiconductor Economic Roadmap, or NSER, is an effort to enhance U.S. semiconductor competitiveness by collaborating on workforce, supply chain, infrastructure and other issues.
U.S. semiconductor manufacturing as a percentage of the global share has gradually eroded from a high of 37% in 1990 to around 12% today, with most new fabs or factories concentrated in Asia.
“Today more than ever, we see the strategic importance of a robust U.S. semiconductor industry,” said Pat Gelsinger, CEO of semiconductor giant Intel, which on Sept. 24 announced a $20 billion expansion to its Chandler campus.
"Fostering deeper partnerships with our research institutions, universities, defense institutions, state leaders and more will be critical to our long-term economic and national security, and we are pleased to join this worthwhile effort."
The consortium is expected to include a mix of companies, universities, states and industry associations, with an initial meeting scheduled for October. Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University are among the partners.
“A thriving semiconductor ecosystem requires solid infrastructure, a comprehensive supply chain and a steady inflow of talented and dedicated people,” said Rick Cassidy, CEO and president of TSMC Arizona, which is constructing a semiconductor campus in north Phoenix that, according to the company, will be the most advanced chip-manufacturing facility in the U.S.
The new industry initiative will seek to diversify semiconductor applications and ensure that states across the country take steps to improve the climate for investments, infrastructure and workforces, said Kurt Sievers, president and CEO of NXP Semiconductors, which recently enhanced its operations in Chandler.
John Neuffer, president and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association, said his group looked forward to collaborating with states, corporations and other partners on workforce, regulatory and infrastructure issues.
Arizona ranks among the top handful of states for employment in the semiconductor industry. The Arizona Commerce Authority is facilitating the initiative. Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the agency, cited the goal of developing a shared vision "that can help drive American semiconductor leadership for decades to come."
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