Recent years have revealed more than a few vulnerabilities in US security and technology supply chains, not the least of which being our dependence on advanced microelectronics. From semiconductor shortages to malign microchip actors to overseas dependencies, we face a host of challenging obstacles for this vital industry. How have we gotten here? Where are we going? Why do we need reform now? Find the answers to all this and more in the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies' flagship executive course—Microelectronics: Foundations and Futures.

This three day course hosted at the institute will explore the history of microelectronics, detail the current state of the practice, and review legacy and state of the art technology needs as well as their impact on the US economy and national defense. Course sessions will be led by instructors that present a briefing followed by Socratic-style dialogue between the participants and instructor to elicit critical understanding of the concepts and issues. The course will culminate in an interactive debate where participants will take sides on the policy questions of export control for microelectronics technologies, forming team arguments with an expert coach for presentation to the class. Instructors will include industry leaders, government officials, technical experts, and key decision makers and influencers who will help participants understand the big picture of this technology area that affects every part of American culture and economics.

The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies invites early- to mid-career professionals with an interest in understanding the complexities and nuances of the microelectronics industry and its impacts on the US economy and national defense. This policy-oriented course is perfect for industry, government, and academic professionals alike with a shared goal of identifying and addressing the challenges the US faces in the microelectronics industrial arena.