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The Chip Shortage: Universities Across the U.S. Work Together to Combat Chip Shortage!!!

The Chip Shortage: Universities Across the U.S. Work Together to Combat Chip Shortage!!!

As the worldwide semiconductor shortage persists, businesses, industry associations, universities, and entire governments are coming up with innovative strategies to address the widespread and far-reaching disruption. The latest organization to join the race is a group of 12 American universities that have consented to collaborate to confront the chip shortage.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger told CNBC in mid-October that the semiconductor industry will face supply shortages until 2024, adding to the worries of manufacturers. The global chip crunch has lasted far longer than expected, and it’s only getting worse. According to Gelsinger, a lack of vital manufacturing tools is prolonging the crisis.

“That’s one of the reasons why we now expect the overall semiconductor shortage to extend into 2024, from our previous estimates [of] 2023,” he continued. To assist, a dozen Midwestern institutions have formed a collaboration to further expand the semiconductor industry in the region.

Participating institutions in the initiative include:

  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Michigan State University
  • Ohio State University
  • Purdue University
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Dayton
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Wright State University
  • Columbus State Community College
  • Lorain County Community College
  • Sinclair Community College

The universities plan to develop creative solutions together in higher education. A priority for the Midwest Regional Network will be to support bringing the advanced semiconductor and microelectronics industry back to the United States, as well as addressing industries’ research and workforce needs.

“The US needs to increase its domestic semiconductor industry’s investment and development to remain competitive,” said Kristina Johnson of Ohio State University in a statement.

“This powerhouse network of scholarship and academic excellence will fuel revolutionary scientific exploration and economic growth while also training the workforce of the future,” she added. “We will maximize the capabilities of our institutions by working together as a group. By doing so, we can accomplish our Silicon Heartland vision.”

Benefits of Collaboration:

Case Western Reserve University’s president recently created a new group after signing a memorandum of understanding, the university announced. The network emerged from a two-day workshop in April hosted by Ohio State, and it is supported by Intel Corporation’s January announcement that it will build advanced chip factories in Ohio. Intel plans to build at least two semiconductor manufacturing plants on a 1,000-acre site in the area, with enough space to expand and add eight more fabs if necessary.

The University of Dayton will identify and support new ways to develop the next generation of materials that are ‘smart.’ The goal is to help engineers, materials scientists, and other experts who work on innovative ideas for new technologies.

The universities will work together on a variety of activities, such as:

This group is formed to create a secure platform where information can be easily shared between experts in different fields, making it easier to connect and collaborate on joint programming, research, or outreach initiatives.

The goal is to bring people together and offer training on how to access funding that will help meet the needs of the semiconductor and microelectronics industries.

Develop a pilot mechanism to connect existing research, facilities, and curricular/training assets across the region. This will optimize their use to address regional needs and opportunities.

A steering committee with representatives from all 12 universities will be created to plan the next steps for the network. etc…

Conclusion:

Without semiconductors, the devices we use every day wouldn’t be possible. From smartphones to computers to automobiles, these materials are essential. By collaborating, these groups can help support and improve semiconductor research which is vital for continuing economic development of any country.

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