Erik Hosler on Why Workforce Development is Central to U.S. Advantage
Semiconductors have long been called the foundation of the digital age, but increasingly, it is people rather than silicon that define a nation’s technological edge. The U.S. semiconductor industry faces a paradox of record-breaking investment in fabs and packaging facilities, yet a shortage of skilled workers needed to operate them. Engineers, technicians, and materials scientists are in critically short supply, creating a bottleneck that money alone cannot solve. Erik Hosler, a strategist in emerging technologies, recognizes that the true competition is not only for capital or equipment but for human capability. His perspective highlights the urgency of cultivating a talent pipeline that can sustain U.S. leadership for decades.
The skills gap is not a new concern, but it has become acute as the U.S. accelerates efforts to reshore semiconductor capacity. The CHIPS and Science Act has unlocked billions in investment, yet without a workforce to match, new facilities risk …
