The countries with the greatest capacity to develop, produce and acquire state-of-the-art semiconductor chips hold key advantages in the development of emerging technologies. At present, the United States and its allies possess significant leverage over core segments of the supply chain used to produce these chips. This policy brief outlines actions the United States and its allies can take to secure that advantage in the long term and use it to promote the beneficial use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

Semiconductors are a key component in fueling scientific progress, promoting economic advancement, and ensuring national security. This issue brief summarizes each component of the semiconductor supply chain and where the United States and its allies possess the greatest leverage. A related policy brief, “Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains,” recommends policy actions to ensure the United States maintains this leverage and uses it to promote the beneficial use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

See our original translation of a 2016 PRC document that lays out project management guidelines for Chinese Academy of Sciences projects designed to encourage the adaptation of technological breakthroughs for commercial or other practical use.

See our original translation of a 2016 plan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences that aims to encourage its scientists to adapt their discoveries for commercial or other practical uses.

See our original translation of a 2016 PRC document issued by the Chinese Academy of Sciences about its efforts to encourage scientists to find practical applications for their technological innovations.

See our original translation of 2016 PRC regulations that aimed to create clearer and stronger financial incentives for institutions and individuals to convert scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable or otherwise practical applications.

See our original translation of China's law on the "conversion of S&T achievements," originally enacted in 1996 and amended in 2015.

See our original translation of a 2020 PRC document recommending a number of measures to improve China's system for cultivating AI talent.

See our original translation of a PRC government action plan that lays out numerous institutional measures to spur the conversion of technological breakthroughs into commercial or practical uses.

See our original translation of a 2016 PRC document, issued by the Ministry of Education, establishing guidelines for how Chinese universities should convert their research breakthroughs into commercial or otherwise practical use.