Course Information

This pre-recorded briefing will provide a shared foundation for participants to launch their learning. When the first integrated circuit ,icrochip was demonstrated in 1958 almost no one bought in. Now microchips are in almost everything we buy and use—phones, cars, fridges, and more! How did we get from there to here? What are the biggest innovations of the past six decades? How have they shaped and changed the way we interact with technology and the world around us?

It is more important than ever to understand the data and facts of an issue, getting to the heart of the problem. Complex overlapping factors affecting the demand, supply chain, and business models for microelectronics can easily cloud the truth of the matter. The session will debunk common misconceptions and unravel their origins.

Fabrication is at the heart of the microelectronics industry. It defines volumes, applications, costs, security, and business models. Take a deep dive into the multifaceted fabrication process and develop a strong understanding of its importance and impacts.

What are key players in the industry doing and how are they developing their strategies? How are suppliers and buyers in the market affecting industry innovation and practice? From node size to order size, understand

integral perspectives and how various actions shape the market—both intentionally and unexpectedly.

Although the US Department of Defense only holds 2% of the market, they are the primary drivers of security and national policy regarding microelectronics. With its niche needs and complex bureaucracy, the DoD juggles complex decisions and trade-offs. Using various case studies from the past and current policy arenas, this session will explore the factors of microchip policy.

Corporations control the business aspects of the microelectronics industry and determine the business models used. Serving available and newly developing markets is the key aspect for financial success. Learn these market forces from the viewpoint of key industry stakeholders. Explore how their decisions shape the landscape and policy of the microelectronics industry—and how the landscape and policy shape their decisions.

There are defining moments that shape our view of industry and alter the trajectory of the field. For the microelectronics industry, those moments include the closing of production fabs, important technologies becoming obsolete, major supply chain disruptions, and even a global pandemic. New policy, such as the American Foundries and CHIPS Acts, is likely to add to that list. Take a look at the microelectronics industry disruptions of the past decade and their lasting effects in creating current and future opportunities and obstacles.

Trust. Privacy. Security. These are important technology attributes for the success of the industry, particularly today. As the microelectronics supply chain grows more complex, we need to ensure that these key needs are met and not just buzzwords. Where are there vulnerabilities, and how do we patch the holes before the ship sinks?

In a culminating session, explore the differing

acquisition models used by the corporate and defense technology communities. There is a wide divergence in approaches and outcomes that must be understood. The discussion will also analyze strategic US goals and policy actions needed to achieve them. This session will contemplate how the “end of Moore’s law” may impact innovation trajectories, business models, and acquisition policies.

Applying the knowledge learned over the week, participants will engage in an active, multi-round debate with each other to evaluate whether the US truly needs export control on microelectronics. The cohort will be split into two sides on the second day of the course. Teams will be assigned an expert coach to give a unique perspective from real-life experience and to act as a sounding board for the groups before their presentation. Each side will research and prepare their position then argue their position on the final day in a multi-round debate.