Biden Makes $11 Billion Push to Beat China at Chip Research
- US launches new R&D centers for chips and packaging technology
- Industry groups warn that patent seizure may undermine effort
The Biden administration’s efforts to revitalize the chip industry have mostly focused on doling out multibillion-dollar grants for domestic factories. But there’s a less-discussed side to the push: turning cutting-edge semiconductor research into a more enticing field for Americans.
As part of the 2022 Chips and Science Act, the Commerce Department is spending $11 billion to boost US leadership in research and development. The hope is to create the next generation of critical electronic components, and beat Beijing in the battle for advanced technology. That will involve everything from developing better measurement techniques for microelectronic materials to new strategies for what’s known as chip packaging — fitting the components together for use.