By Patrick Burnson, Executive Editor ·
February 26, 2021
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) – a leading think tank for science and technology policy – was among the scores of associations contacting SCMR to weigh in on President Biden’s supply chain mandate this week.
“Recent semiconductor shortages affecting other strategically important industries underscore the need to get supply chain policy right,” says ITIF’s vice president for global innovation policy, Stephen Ezell.
He adds that it’s important to investigate supply chains to find where advanced industries may face critical dependencies, vulnerabilities, and gaps. According to Ezell, thorough strategic review will show where trade rules need to be strengthened, and where we need to bolster domestic sources of supply.
“To be effective, the review also must recognize there are reciprocal benefits from global supply chains for advanced technology industries,” he says. “For instance, players in international supply chains are important customers for manufacturing equipment from the U.S. semiconductor industry, and they provide foundry capacity that supports the business models of U.S. fabless semiconductor producers.”
Ezell concludes by observing that this executive order is one of many steps the administration and Congress should take to bolster U.S. competitiveness in advanced-technology industries.
“America also needs comprehensive innovation and competitiveness strategies to spur needed investments in research and development, infrastructure, and skills. Otherwise, the United States will be at a competitive disadvantage versus China and other rivals.”
February 26, 2021
About the Author
Patrick Burnson, Executive Editor
Mr. Burnson is a widely-published writer and editor specializing in international trade, global logistics, and supply chain management. He is based in San Francisco, where he provides a Pacific Rim perspective on industry trends and forecasts. He may be reached at his downtown office: [email protected]
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