In an effort to propel economic growth and compete with China, New York is implementing a comprehensive strategy focused on the semiconductor industry. The planned Micron plant in Syracuse, supported by President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, is expected to create thousands of jobs and solidify the region’s role in America’s industrial planning and foreign policy.
However, simply opening new fabricators is not enough. To effectively drive long-term economic growth and protect national security, these investments must be part of a comprehensive plan to limit China’s exploitation of loopholes in the industry. While significant steps have been taken to incentivize chip manufacturing through initiatives like the Chips and Science Act, there are still critical areas that require attention.
One such area is open-source chip design technology, particularly the use of RISC-V infrastructure. This freely available technology poses significant risks as it enables collaboration between U.S. and Chinese engineers through cloud development platforms. Not only can technical issues arise due to design flaws or non-compliance, but the open-source nature of these chips also makes them susceptible to espionage, sabotage, and malware attacks.
China has been heavily investing in RISC-V technology, establishing the China RISC-V Alliance and implementing initiatives to teach its next generation of workers how to design and develop these chips. This poses a direct challenge to America’s grand strategy on chips and undermines the efforts of regions like Central New York.
To counter these risks, comprehensive measures must be taken. It is crucial for Congress and U.S. regulators to address the vulnerabilities associated with open-source chip technology. This includes addressing the potential for bugs, improving verification processes, and ensuring compliance with security standards. Additionally, efforts should be made to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing capabilities and promote collaboration between industry, government, and academia.
As New York leads the charge in America’s industrial strategy, it is essential to learn from past mistakes and remain proactive. The growth of open-source chip technology presents both opportunities and risks. By addressing these risks head-on, New York can secure its position as a leader in the semiconductor industry and maintain its commitment to national security and economic growth.