Skip to main content

Federal Research: Lessons Learned From SEMATECH

RCED-92-283 Published: Sep 28, 1992. Publicly Released: Oct 26, 1992.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO assessed the lessons learned in the first 5 years of the government's participation in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology Consortium (SEMATECH) that might be applied to other similar government-industry research and development (R&D) consortia intended to improve the competitive position of U.S. manufacturers.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
In considering any future support for consortia, Congress may wish to consider each of the eight lessons learned that this report identifies. Among other things, Congress could consider requiring that, as a basis for receiving federal funds, the consortium: (1) prepare an operating plan with milestones for critical elements of initial projects; and (2) develop a program to improve members' working relationships with their key suppliers.
Closed – Not Implemented
The National Competitiveness Act of 1993, which included a section authorizing federal funding for large-scale R&D consortia, was not passed by the 103rd Congress. No similar legislation has been introduced in the 104th Congress.
Congress may wish to establish specific criteria for determining when federal support for SEMATECH--and any future consortia--should appropriately be terminated.
Closed – Not Implemented
SEMATECH has announced that it will not seek matching federal funds after fiscal year 1997--10 years after Congress authorized federal support.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Business assistanceComputer hardware industryDefense industryElectronic equipment industryInternational economic relationsPrivate sectorResearch and developmentResearch and development costsResearch program managementTechnology transfer