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Federal Research: The SEMATECH Consortium's Start-up Activities

RCED-90-37 Published: Nov 03, 1989. Publicly Released: Nov 08, 1989.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO assessed the progress of a consortium of U.S. semiconductor and computer companies (SEMATECH) formed to conduct research and development that will provide the U.S. industry with the domestic capability for world leadership in manufacturing, focusing on: (1) the Department of Defense's (DOD) participation and role; (2) the consortium's approaches and organization for achieving its overall objectives; and (3) initial technology transfer activities.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense To give a greater cross section of input and opinion from business leaders and senior federal officials, as provided by the authorizing legislation, the Secretary of Defense should forward to the President the names of seven individuals from industry for appointment to the Advisory Council on Federal Participation in SEMATECH.
Closed – Implemented
GAO believes that having an Advisory Council in place to oversee activities is particularly important. Although this recommendation was made in November 1989, the Advisory Council was not convened until February 1992.

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Topics

Computer industryDefense industryElectronic equipment industryFederal advisory bodiesInformation systemsInternational economic relationsPrivate sectorResearch and developmentResearch program managementTechnology transfer