THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY - MODEL FOR INDUSTRY UNIVERSITY/GOVERNMENTCOOPERATION/

Semiconductor companies have joined forces to address a variety of ind ustry-wide problems. The first step was the formation of the Semicondu ctor Industry Association (SIA) in 1977 to work on common environmenta l issues. The Association worked closely with the federal government t o resolve an adverse competitive situation vis a vis Japanese companie s. In 1982, the SIA formed the Semiconductor Research Corporation with dual objectives of developing highly qualified technical personnel fo r employment in the industry and conducting a program of long-range, p re-competitive research and technology development. The program is car ried out at a large number of universities, and is unique in its indus try/university relations. Subsequently in 1987, a corporation for cond ucting technology development, primarily by industry, SEMATECH, was fo rmed. Finally, to guide the research funded by these two corporations, the SIA produced the Semiconductor Technology Roadmap, with the techn ical contributors coming from industry, academia and government. This comprehensive set of initiatives has resulted in excellent working rel ations with government and utilization of the university community, in addition to technology developed for the benefit of SIA members. This initiative can also serve as a model for other industries.