Recommendations for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC)

The cornerstone of the CHIPS R&D program is the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a $5 billion public-private consortium that is tasked to “conduct research and prototyping of advanced semiconductor technology and grow the domestic semiconductor workforce to strengthen the economic competitiveness and security of the domestic supply chain” (15 U.S.C. § 4656(c)(1)). The NSTC Consortium was formally established in February 2024 as a partnership between the Departments of Commerce, Energy, and Defense; the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; the National Science Foundation; and the National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology (Natcast). Natcast is the new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the NSTC Consortium.

SIA proposes a set of recommendations that synthesizes industry consensus and presents the most updated guidance, principles, and priorities of the SIA membership in order to promote the success of the NSTC.

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This body of work represents an emerging industry consensus that should form the guiding basis for CRDO and Natcast in the establishment and operation of the NSTC. This document synthesizes industry consensus and presents the most updated guidance, principles, and priorities of the SIA membership in order to promote the success of the NSTC. These key recommendations include:

1. Industry-Driven Public-Private Partnership:

The NSTC should reflect industry technology priorities and ensure alignment with the technology agenda and roadmaps of the U.S. semiconductor industry.

2. Objectives and Focus:

The NSTC research agenda should pursue full-stack innovation, and associated infrastructure should aim to meet piloting, prototyping, and commercial scaling needs.

3. Operating Structure:

The NSTC should be comprised of technology centers focused on industry subsectors (e.g., advanced logic, advanced memory, analog and mixed signal, etc.), cross-cutting R&D priorities (e.g., energy efficiency, security, etc.), and end-market working groups (e.g., auto, edge, emerging tech, etc.). The NSTC should maximize the use of existing facilities to the extent feasible and only construct new facilities where needed to achieve programmatic goals.

4. Participation Structure:

The NSTC should primarily operate on a membership model for participation in R&D projects and facilities access, and a variety of funding mechanisms should be used to provide adequate and sustained support for a diverse set of stakeholders.

5. Policy Considerations:

Where possible, the NSTC should leverage existing, industry-accepted protocols, and when new policies or guidance are needed (e.g., domestic production requirements, research security, and intellectual property rights), it is critical that the NSTC and all CRDO programs provide clear guidance that has been informed from industry engagement.

Over the past few years, leading stakeholders have issued a number of valuable reports detailing recommendations and priorities for the initiation and operation of the NSTC.

President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), “Report to the President: Revitalizing the U.S. Semiconductor Ecosystem,” September 2022

American Semiconductor Innovation Coalition (ASIC), “Accelerating Semiconductor Research, Accelerating America,” February 2022

MITRE Engenuity (MITRE), “American Innovation, American Growth: A Vision for the National Semiconductor Technology Center,” November 2021

MITRE Engenuity (MITRE), “Creating an Enduring National Resource: A Blueprint for the NSTC and the NAPMP,” February 2023

Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), “American Semiconductor Research: Leadership Through Innovation,” October 2022

CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO), “A Vision and Strategy for the NSTC," April 2023

CHIPS Industrial Advisory Committee (IAC) recommendations, February to November 2023.

Conclusion

These recommendations are intended to help move the NSTC forward and achieve its mission of advancing U.S. semiconductor leadership and technology innovation in support of national goals and domestic industry. This document should be used to guide the evolution of the CHIPS R&D programs, including the NSTC, and present CHIPS R&D leadership with important industry insights and priorities. SIA looks forward to ongoing engagement with Natcast, CRDO, and other federal research agencies to establish an impactful and successful semiconductor R&D ecosystem of the future.