Semiconductor chips power practically all electronic devices, from cellphones and vehicles to communications and defense systems essential for national security. The Department of Defense (DoD) uses a wide range of semiconductors for mission systems such as radars, sensors, and high-power-density electronics - but the U.S. is now strongly dependent on other nations for both commercial and defense semiconductor needs.
At the request of Congress, this study addresses the challenges that DoD is experiencing as it engages with the global microelectronics sector and explores ways to engage with public-private partnerships to support assured production and innovation in the semiconductor industry. The recommendations of Strategies to Enable Assured Access to Semiconductors for the Department of Defense focus on long-term strategic coordination, investment in emerging technologies, leveraging of commercial advancements, and a modernization strategy that is nimble enough to incorporate emerging technologies and be responsive to global competition.
Table of Contents
Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 The Competitive Position of the United States in the Semiconductor Sector 3 Reducing Barriers to Sustainable and Resilient Semiconductor Production 4 The Role of PublicPrivate Partnerships in Supporting Semiconductor Manufacturing 5 Challenges for the Department of Defense in Supporting Sustainability in the Semiconductor Ecosystem 6 General Principles for the Department of Defense (DoD) to Follow for Accelerating the Adoption of Disruptive Technologies to Benefit DoD and Commercial Needs 7 Workforce Development in the Semiconductor Industry 8 Recommendations Appendixes Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Public Meeting Presentations Appendix C: A Semiconductor PublicPrivate Partnership Playbook Appendix D: Summary Description of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 Appendix E: Committee Member Biographical Information Appendix F: Disclosure of Unavoidable Conflicts of Interest Appendix G: Acronyms and Abbreviations
