International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors Examines Next 15 Years of Chip Innovation

by Semiconductor Industry Association

FINAL INSTALLMENT OF BIANNUAL REPORT OUTLINES SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY

WASHINGTON—July 8, 2016—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research, today announced the release of the 2015 International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS), a collaborative report that surveys the technological challenges and opportunities for the semiconductor industry through 2030. The ITRS seeks to identify future technical obstacles and shortfalls, so the industry and research community can collaborate effectively to overcome them and build the next generation of semiconductors – the enabling technology of modern electronics. The current report marks the final installment of the ITRS.

“For a quarter-century, the Roadmap has been an important guidepost for evaluating and advancing semiconductor innovation,” said John Neuffer, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “The latest and final installment provides key findings about the future of semiconductor technology and serves as a useful bridge to the next wave of semiconductor research initiatives.”

Faced with ever-evolving research needs and technology challenges, industry leaders have decided to conclude the ITRS and transition to new ways to advance semiconductor research and bring about the next generation of semiconductor innovations. While the final ITRS report charts a path for existing technology research, additional research is needed as we transition to an even more connected world, enabled by innovations like the Internet of Things. Some of these technology challenges were outlined in a recent SIA-Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) report, “Rebooting the IT Revolution,” but work continues to define research gaps and implement new research programs.

The ITRS is sponsored by five regions of the world – Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. Through the cooperative efforts of the global chip manufacturers and equipment suppliers, research communities and consortia, the ITRS has identified critical gaps, technical needs, and potential solutions related to semiconductor technology.

“SIA appreciates the hard work, dedication, and expertise of those involved with the ITRS over the years and looks forward to continuing the industry’s work to strengthen semiconductor research and maintain the pipeline of semiconductor innovations that fuel the digital economy,” Neuffer said.

About SIA

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, one of America’s top export industries and a key driver of America’s economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. Semiconductors – microchips that control all modern electronics – enable the systems and products we use to work, communicate, travel, entertain, harness energy, treat illness, and make new scientific discoveries. The semiconductor industry directly employs nearly a quarter of a million people in the U.S. In 2015, U.S. semiconductor company sales totaled $166 billion, and semiconductors make the global trillion dollar electronics industry possible. SIA seeks to strengthen U.S. leadership of semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research by working with Congress, the Administration and other key industry stakeholders to encourage policies and regulations that fuel innovation, propel business and drive international competition. Learn more at www.semiconductors.org.