Public Policy

The impact of the semiconductor in daily life is undeniable, from computers and cell phones to airplanes and automobiles. We have grown from a start-up industry in the 1950s to one with annual sales of nearly $300 Billion. It has been an incredible period. In a relatively short time span, the semiconductor industry has evolved from a handful of individuals working at lab benches to what is perhaps the nation's most essential industry, employing hundreds of thousands of highly-skilled workers worldwide.

We are a driving force behind our nation's leadership in the entire technology industry, fostering innovation and creating jobs. In order to maintain this worldwide leadership and significant contribution to our nation's economy we must be able to compete globally on a level playing field. The SIA and its member companies have identified six central issues that have a critical impact on the industry's global competitiveness.

TAX

• Enact corporate tax policies, including a permanent and enhanced R&D tax credit, that provide a level playing field with competing semiconductor research and manufacturing countries.  

EXPORT CONTROLS

• Streamline export controls so the semiconductor industry can remain America’s largest exporter.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

• Promote environmental and other regulations that support the semiconductor industry’s unique flexibility needs in responding to rapidly changing technologies and markets.

WORKFORCE

• Enhance the semiconductor workforce via support for K-12 STEM initiatives and reform immigration policies to attract and retain masters and PhD graduates from U.S. universities.

RESEARCH

• Increase funding for basic research in nanoelectronics and other physical science fields that will determine world technological leadership

TRADE

• Facilitate open markets and protect intellectual property so U.S. companies can compete in overseas markets that are four times larger than the U.S.