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The National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), a national workforce development initiative supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, announced the formation of its inaugural Industry Advisory Committee, bringing together senior leaders from the semiconductor industry, universities, and community colleges to help guide the network's national workforce strategy and strengthen the talent pipeline supporting America's growing microelectronics ecosystem.
Funded through an NSF Other Transaction Authority (OTA) award, the NNME benefits from NSF's ongoing technical collaboration and strategic guidance to help accelerate the development of innovative workforce solutions that address the nation's critical microelectronics talent needs. The SEMI Foundation serves as the Hub Operator of the NNME and is the workforce development arm of SEMI.
Representing semiconductor manufacturers, technology companies, equipment and materials suppliers, universities, community colleges, and workforce leaders, the Industry Advisory Committee will provide strategic insight as NNME works to align with industry needs across the United States. The announcement comes as the nation experiences unprecedented investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and increasing demand for a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting innovation, advanced manufacturing, and long-term economic competitiveness. A national workforce landscape analysis conducted by McKinsey & Company found that the U.S. semiconductor industry could face a talent gap of approximately 127,000 to 157,000 workers by 2030, underscoring the urgency of building a coordinated, industry-aligned workforce development system.
"Building the workforce needed to support the future of microelectronics requires sustained collaboration across industry, education, and workforce partners," said Dr. Jennifer Ellis, Director of the National Network for Microelectronics Education. "The expertise represented on the committee reflects the depth of commitment across the semiconductor ecosystem, and their guidance will help ensure NNME remains closely aligned with industry needs while strengthening pathways into high-demand careers."
Through ongoing collaboration, the Industry Advisory Committee will help identify emerging workforce challenges, validate employer workforce needs, inform education and training strategies, strengthen connections across the semiconductor ecosystem, and provide strategic input on national workforce initiatives.
"The challenges and opportunities facing the semiconductor workforce are larger than any one organization can address alone," said Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI. "This Industry Advisory Committee brings together remarkable leaders who understand both the technical and workforce needs of our industry. Their collective expertise will help strengthen national collaboration and ensure we are preparing the workforce needed for the next generation of semiconductor innovation."
Collectively, committee members provide a broad perspective on the evolving workforce needs of the U.S. microelectronics ecosystem. The NNME will continue to expand membership to ensure broad representation across the national microelectronics ecosystem.
"The ability of the U.S. to compete globally depends on developing a workforce that can meet the pace of innovation across the semiconductor ecosystem," said Michelle Williams, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation. "The Industry Advisory Committee represents an extraordinary group of leaders who are committed to shaping workforce solutions that are scalable, industry-informed, and built for long-term impact. Their guidance will help ensure NNME continues to create meaningful opportunities for learners while supporting the needs of the ecosystem."
Established to strengthen the nation's microelectronics workforce, NNME is building a coordinated national network that connects employers, education providers, workforce organizations, and regional partners to develop industry-aligned talent pathways. Through its Regional Nodes and national initiatives, NNME is creating a more connected and responsive workforce ecosystem capable of supporting continued semiconductor growth across the United States.
