Chris George is the president of Intel Government Technologies. George is a seasoned technology executive with deep expertise across corporate strategy, engineering and innovation.

For decades, American ingenuity has shaped the world. Innovations ranging from the transistor to the microprocessor to the internet have left an indelible mark on humanity, impacting all aspects of our lives. These inventions have been combined to create the technology that enables the intelligent, connected world we live in today. At the heart of all our technology are semiconductors.

Chips are ubiquitous in our daily routines, and they play an incredibly important role in our future: advanced chips will enable new developments in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, national defense, and countless other areas. Maintaining technological leadership requires access to the development and production of the most advanced semiconductors; secure, domestic R&D and manufacturing of chips has never been more critical. By revitalizing our homegrown chip supply chain, we can reduce foreign dependencies, safeguard essential technologies, and unlock the full potential of domestic innovation while fueling economic growth and strengthening national resilience.

Intel is committed to ensuring global supply chain resilience. In collaboration with government and industry partners, the company is investing in the infrastructure, talent, and platforms necessary to power the next era of computing and national readiness.

Reclaiming supply chain resilience stateside

Supply chain resilience isn’t a given; it must be built intentionally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a global shortage of semiconductors stalled the production of cars, smartphones, medical devices, household appliances, and countless other products. Many consumers didn’t realize how heavily everyday life depended on chips until they were unavailable.

In 2021, Congress integrated provisions from the CHIPS for America Act into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizing semiconductor manufacturing, research, and development activities across the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and State.

Intel responded with a historic $100 billion investment in U.S. semiconductor R&D and manufacturing, including constructing two new leading-edge fabs in Ohio and significant expansions in Oregon, New Mexico, and Arizona. Unlike typical construction projects, these advanced manufacturing sites require specialized methods to create ultra-clean, controlled environments. And they’re already boosting local economies.

In Ohio alone, workers from 83 of the state’s 88 counties have contributed more than 6.4 million hours to the construction of two cutting-edge factories. These facilities will produce the most advanced semiconductors manufactured in the U.S. and expand capacity for AI chip-making.

The project is expected to create 3,000 Intel jobs, 7,000 construction jobs, and boost Ohio’s gross domestic product by an estimated $2.8 billion each year.

Each of Intel’s sites plays a unique role in the design and manufacturing process: Oregon is the heart of Intel’s research and development, Arizona and Ohio build advanced logic chips, and New Mexico specializes in advanced packaging. Together, they create a balanced, resilient supply chain spanning early research through high-volume manufacturing that benefits local communities and strengthens national security.

Solving the talent gap from classroom to cleanroom

A domestic semiconductor industry depends on a strong, sustainable talent pipeline. Unfortunately, a real gap exists today. The U.S. semiconductor industry faces a projected shortfall of 67,000 technicians, computer scientists, and engineers by 2030 and 1.4 million such workers throughout the broader U.S. economy, according to a 2023 study by the Semiconductor Industry Association and Oxford Economics.

Investing in skills-building is just as important as the facilities, which is why Intel is partnering with K–12 schools, community colleges, and research universities to build interest and capability from the ground up, with efforts including:

• The industry’s first one-year semiconductor technician certification, offered by 10 Ohio colleges.
• The Quick Start hands-on technician training program at Arizona and Oregon community colleges, resulting in more than 200 hires.
• AI, microelectronics, quantum computing, and mechatronics training through partner schools.
• Assorted internships and scholarships.
• K-12 STEM outreach and STEAM camps.

This work is about inspiring and training the next generation of scientists and engineers who will design, build, and optimize the critical technologies that will power the technologies of the future.

Accessing tomorrow’s tech today

The U.S. government has historically trailed the private sector in adopting leading-edge technology. Agencies often rely on less powerful chips due to the complexity of upgrading established systems and infrastructure. However, as domestic research, development, and manufacturing of chips scales up, government agencies and industrial base partners have an opportunity to rethink how national capabilities are built, modernized, and sustained.

This kind of progress isn’t driven by trend-chasing or quick fixes. It’s powered by the tireless effort required to make countless innovations in chemistry, materials science, computer and system architectures, advanced computing algorithms, and training the skilled workforce required to support it all.

An accelerated innovation engine requires a strong foundation. A resilient domestic semiconductor industry is essential to the nation’s security, prosperity, and global leadership. Let’s keep building.