Electronics Industry

The electronics industry, led by the semiconductor sector, helped trigger one of the most significant economic, military, and social transformations since the Industrial Revolution, and there is every sign the tremendous rate of technological change will continue apace. Some industry observers have called for government intervention to reverse the overseas migration of U.S. semiconductor fabrication plants, to boost U.S. global competitiveness by funding basic research, and to encourage more college graduates in engineering and science fields. Government action to preserve strategic access to semiconductor producers is clearly needed to ensure DoD electronic systems can be built without compromising sensitive technology, though every effort should be made to minimize the cost by using commercial avenues whenever possible. While government actions to support basic research and improve competitiveness are warranted, other actions that attempt to counter global market forces would not succeed.