Electronics Industry Study Report: Semiconductors and Defense Electronics

摘要

The commercial semiconductor industry is characterized by fierce competition, large fluctuations in demand, increasing performance, and falling prices. Defense electronics has become a miniscule part of the semiconductor industry (less than 1%), but is essential to national security. However, U.S. commercial and defense semiconductor production is losing ground. The industry faces a number of challenges, including: rising capital costs, rapidly evolving technology, future workforce shortages, increasing offshore design and production, infringement of intellectual property rights, and ineffective export controls that hinder U.S. global competitiveness. Furthermore, the defense electronics industry faces significant issues associated with commercial-off-the-shelf components and diminishing manufacturing sources. It is prudent for the U.S. government to recognize the risks of a declining U.S. microelectronics design and production capability, and to plan a course of action to mitigate the emerging risks to national security.