IEEE Technology and Society Magazine - June 2015 - 23

with our defined research vectors.
The outcome of this analysis yields
a bar graph analysis that serves
the purpose of regional research
vector comparison, and further,
can be used to provide a subjective global regional comparison
(Figures 4-6). Arbitrary units and
patterns are used for comparison.
As such, information such as underfunded research areas where re-allocations of resources to "close the
gap" may be possible. In addition,
over time, key questions that could
be answered include "Was funding spent well?," "Did funding lead
to breakthroughs?" and "Has the
grand challenge been overcome?"

followed by thermal management.
NSF programs (labeled NRI-NSF) are
Similar results were evident in the
reviewed under the NRI umbrella.
2010 IPWGN report and prior years
The NSF itself has also been
[6]. However, it should be pointed
instrumental and very active from the
out that this may be a shortcomvery beginning in supporting nanoing of semantics. For instance, spinelectronics research [27]-[29]. The
tronic based devices have seen a
most predominant has been through
rapid increase in funding, publicathe National Nanotechnology Inition numbers, and patents. Many
tiative (NNI) [30]. Furthermore, the
concepts employing spin requires
NSF has been active in established
non-equilibrium conditions to incur
Centers of Excellence such as the
switching as highlighted in [8].
Nanoscale Science and Engineering
A similar situation seems to be
Centers (NSEC) [28], [31], Material
occurring for thermal management.
Research Science and Engineering
In spite of its importance, no Center
Centers (MRSEC) [32], [33], Engineering Research Centers
(ERC) [34], and Science and
Technology Centers (STC).
In addition, together with
One recommendation was to
NRI, the NSF spearheaded
the program "Nanoelectronbridge the "Valley of Death,"
ics Beyond 2020." Other sigthe gap between science and
nificant initiatives that have
come online in 2014 that
research on the one hand and
direct more funds to nanoelectronics research are the
industrial dissemination in the
National Network for Manumarket on the other.
facturing Innovation (NNMI)
[35], more generally known
as the "Obama Manufacturing Hubs." It should also be
of Excellence funded by the United
mentioned that state infrastructure
States focuses solely on this topic, or
funding to enhance regional nanoeven makes it a distinguished theme.
electronics capabilities has also
One obvious area of improveplayed key roles in nanoelectroncs
ment has been "manufacturing."
R&D such as the SUNY's College of
With funding of NSEC manufacturing
Nanoscale Science and Engineering
centers [35] and the notion of "man(CNSE), California Nanosystems Instiufacturability," Si compatibility and
tutes, and the Texas Emerging Technew nanomanufacturing methods
nology Fund. Other outlier initiatives
are required to alleviate traditional
such as the National Institute of Stanphotolithography costs. A unique
dards and Technology (NIST) Infraexample of manufacturing funding
structure fund is slowly but surely
can be cited as that of the CNSE
adding crucial resources to the U.S.
facility where researchers with indusnanoelectronic landscape.
trial manufacturing pilot lines are
United States Gap Analysis
able to test concepts and produce
The gap analysis of the U.S. shows
test devices at 300-mm wafer levels.
that areas such as devices, materiNew initiatives are championed by
als, and architectures are well fundthe CNSE on a regular basis.
ed. The most underfunded areas
In addition, the U.S. region
are exotic non-equilibrium concepts
offers some prime examples of

United States Region
Overview of Nanoelectronics
Programs in the United States
In the United States, many publicprivate nanoelectronic initiatives are
administered by the Semiconductor
Research Corporation (SRC) with
funding to over 2300 researchers
in 2013. The SRC coordinates primary programs such as the STARNET (previously known as the Focus
Center Research Program (FCRP)).
The SRC also administers the Nanoelectronics Research Initiative (NRI)
cofounded by SRC industry members, NSF, and NIST. The STARnet
program has a broader mission
compared to the NRI, in that it aims
to create breakthroughs that are
critical to U.S. security and economic competitiveness goals with
member companies from both the
defense and semiconductor industries. The STARnet program has
six Centers of Excellence, of which
three are relevant to nanoelectronics. The NRI has a more focused
mission to demonstrate non-conventional, low-energy technologies
that can outperform CMOS on critical applications in ten years and
beyond. In addition a multitude of
JUNE 2015

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