Oregon’s FAST Engine Strengthens Semiconductor Talent Pipeline

Oregon’s Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) — a finalist in the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines Program — is advancing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains and bolster national security amid rising adversary chip production.

“Semiconductors are really about national security. We need to take that seriously and make sure the U.S. regains its leadership position,” FAST Principal Investigator Rob Stone told GovCIO Media & Research. “We start with the industry partners to understand the concerns. They might need some academic research assistance.”

FAST’s modernization approach focuses on workforce alignment as the foundation for sustained growth.

Bridging Academia, Industry and Government

Oregon is home to over 200 semiconductor industry companies, including tech-giants Intel and HP. FAST is leveraging existing relationships between industry, academia and government to create a “unified voice” to advance American semiconductor production. Stone said the consortium is working to understand what skills the workforce needs to grow the semiconductor ecosystem.

“We have a single voice that says, ‘these are the types of skills that we’re going to need in our workers,’” said Stone.

The CHIPS and Science Act awarded funding to Oregon and Intel in 2024 to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor supply chain and expand research capabilities. Stone said the CHIPS investment laid the groundwork for the region’s growing semiconductor ecosystem, but sustained funding will be critical to maintain the nation’s competitive edge in the global chip race.

“We’re going to have to build on [existing infrastructure] if we hope to regain that leadership position in the world,” said Stone. “By enabling more startups and the larger supply chain for the Intels of the world, we’ll achieve that goal.”

Modernizing Education Pathways

According to the Semiconductor Industry Association’s 2024 State of the U.S. Semiconductor Industry report, more than half of U.S. manufacturing and design jobs could remain unfilled by 2030.

Stone emphasized that strengthening the workforce pipeline requires inclusive and accessible training programs for nontraditional learners. He added that industry will play a key role in making workforce development pathways easier for students to find and navigate, emphasizing the importance of flexibility.

FAST is working to combine efforts with another consortium, the Oregon Business Council’s Semiconductor Industry Talent, to strengthen the relationships between workforce development programs and industry. Stone said these partnerships keep conversations open about workforce opportunities and challenges.

“Folks know each other, they understand their needs and we come to the table ready to share problems and talk about ways that we can solve it together,” said Stone. “If we receive the engine funds, FAST will really blossom.”