Biden Administration Commits $5 Billion for Computer Chip Research and Development in Public-Private Consortium
In a move to advance research and development in the United States, the Biden administration has announced its commitment of $5 billion to a public-private consortium focused on computer chip research and development. This initiative aligns with President Joe Biden’s goals of driving innovation and reducing the time and cost associated with bringing new technologies to market. The development comes at a time when Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are preparing to compete in the global chips market, leveraging diversity as one of America’s greatest strengths.
Diversity as a Competitive Advantage
Recognizing the importance of diversity in the semiconductor industry, HBCU leaders and federal government officials gathered to support research and development in advanced computer chips. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the need for diversity in order for the United States to out-compete countries like China and Taiwan. She stated, “It may be the first time in the United States’ history we make sure that the people who get these jobs look like America.” This sentiment was echoed by HBCU leaders who emphasized the importance of including African Americans in the movement towards chip production.
Legislative Support for Domestic Production
The Biden administration’s commitment to computer chip research and development is supported by the Chips and Science Act, which became law in August 2022. This legislation provides funding to support domestic production of semiconductors and authorizes various programs and activities of federal science agencies. The HBCU CHIPS Network, an independent organization, convened with stakeholders and institutions at the Department of Commerce’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to discuss this legislative victory and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Pooling Resources for Success
HBCUs play a significant role in promoting diversity and producing Black engineers, scientists, and technological professionals. These institutions enroll nearly 10% of all Black undergraduates and have been instrumental in shaping the workforce in these fields. Recognizing the importance of chip production for national security, Tuskegee University Provost S. Keith Hargrove emphasized the need to diversify supply chains and not rely on a single country or company. The partnership between HBCUs and Georgia Tech University aims to pool resources and foster collaboration to address the challenges facing the semiconductor industry.
Creating a Table for Everyone
Kylie Patterson, Chief Opportunity and Inclusion Officer of CHIPS for America, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting underrepresented individuals nationwide. She emphasized the importance of intentional inclusion and creating a table where everyone has a seat. This sentiment was echoed by George White, Senior Director of Partnerships at Georgia Tech, who highlighted the university’s dedication to diversity of thought and their outreach to HBCUs to foster collaboration and support research efforts.
Addressing Historical Underfunding
HBCUs have historically faced underfunding, which has hindered their ability to compete in the race for technological advancement. Neelam Azad, Vice President for Research at Hampton University, emphasized the need for additional funding to strengthen infrastructure and capacity. By investing in HBCUs and building their overall capacity, these institutions can explore new avenues and contribute to the advancement of computer chip research.
Conclusion
The Biden administration’s commitment of $5 billion to a public-private consortium for computer chip research and development marks a significant step towards driving innovation in the United States. By leveraging diversity as a competitive advantage, HBCUs are poised to make significant contributions to the semiconductor industry. Through collaboration with institutions like Georgia Tech, these historically underfunded institutions can strengthen their infrastructure and capacity, positioning themselves as key players in the global chips market. As the United States seeks to out-compete other countries in this critical field, it is crucial to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and that resources are allocated equitably to foster innovation and drive progress.