U.S. semiconductor industry getting it together: Despite their history of intense competition, U.S. manufacturers are cooperating in research to gain an edge in the international marketplace

The work being done by the Semiconductor Research Corp. (SRC) in promoting university research, funding the training of graduate students, and fostering cooperation between companies is reviewed. It is pointed out that not only are more researchers working in the semiconductor field, but their work is now more closely related to industry needs. Some of the technological advances that have been made through SRC-funded research are described. Also discussed is the work done by the SRC in bringing together the equipment companies and the semiconductor companies to figure out what information they can share without divulging proprietary data.