Federal Research: Lessons Learned From SEMATECH
RCED-92-283
Published: Sep 28, 1992. Publicly Released: Oct 26, 1992.
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Highlights
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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. | 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. | SEMATECH has announced that it will not seek matching federal funds after fiscal year 1997--10 years after Congress authorized federal support. |