Virtual detail of an integrated circuit through four layers of planarized copper interconnect, down to the polysilicon (pink), wells (grayish), and substrate (green).
The Semiconductor Industry Association says that Massachusetts annually exports $2.7 billion worth of semiconductors and machinery used to make semiconductors — making it the third most valuable export from the commonwealth.
James T. Brett, CEO and president of the New England Council, (newenglandcouncil.com) recently wrote in a Providence Business News op-ed:
“The New England Council was proud to support the ‘CHIPS and Science Act’ {recently passed by Congress) and we believe that its passage is a huge win for the New England innovation economy….
“Semiconductors enable the key technologies driving the future economy and our national security, including artificial intelligence, 5G/6G, quantum computing, cloud services, and more. The New England region is home to a number of semiconductor manufacturers – including industry leaders like Analog Devices and Texas Instruments – as well as wide array of technology businesses who rely on semiconductors to support their businesses….
“Beyond this vital support for the semiconductor industry, this legislation also makes several other important investments in that will support continued growth in the New England innovation economy. The bill authorizes $81 billion in funding over five years for the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support STEM education, establish regional technology hubs, and support a new technology directorate that aims to turn basic research breakthroughs into real-world applications. New England is of course home to some to some of the world’s leading research institutions, and received nearly $800 million in NSF funds in 2021…. Our region will undoubtedly benefit from this additional infusion of NSF funding….’’
