The U.S. Department of Commerce has recently created a committee to inform the federal government on microelectronics policy, manufacturing, research and development.
The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) called for the establishment of the Industrial Advisory Committee (IAC) in fiscal year 2021, a Dec. 1 Commerce Department news release said. The IAC was created by the secretary of commerce in collaboration with the secretaries of defense, energy and homeland security.
“Microelectronics are enabling technologies for industries of the future, like artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, 5G and quantum computing,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release. “With President Biden’s commitment to ensuring that the United States remains a global leader in microelectronics manufacturing and research, we are at a pivotal moment with the opportunity to bolster our economic strength, security and technological standing. This committee will provide the necessary practical, expert advice from industry, academia and government to help us get this right.”
The IAC will address the needs of the microelectronics industry, the impact of current strategies on U.S. leadership in manufacturing and the current state of research and development programs, the release said.
“We have an immense opportunity to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in microelectronics, but this is no simple task,” EPA Deputy Secretary Don Graves said in the release. “Advances in standards, materials, instrumentation, measurement, testing and manufacturing capabilities are needed to help design, develop and manufacture next-generation microelectronics. I look forward to learning from the expertise on this committee to guide us in making tangible progress.”
The Commerce Department is now seeking top-level candidates to fill out the committee that will consist of no fewer than 12 specialists from private industries, federal laboratories and academic institutions, according to the Federal Register notice. Members will serve for three years with the opportunity for an additional two terms at the discretion of the secretary of commerce. Nominations will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
