The Semiconductor Research Corporation: Cooperative research

The SRC (Semiconductor Research Corporation) was formed in 1982 to conduct generic, cooperative university research in the field of integrated circuits. An overview is provided of the methodologies used by the SRC for the identification of pacing integrated-circuit technologies, for research program planning and management, and for the transfer of research results to members. Several case studies are developed that illustrate the SRC approach to the conduct of research and that give a perspective on the broad spectrum of research results being produced. The SRC has found that the process of defining generic research goals, followed by the development and implementation of research plans to achieve the stated goals, provides effective focus and metrics for measuring research progress. It is the SRC´s experience that focused university research can provide substantial contributions to the advancement of semiconductor technology as well as an additional work force to enhance the industry, university, and government technical infrastructure of the United States