Bill Overview
Title: Micro Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a cross-cutting program of research, development, and demonstration of microelectronics relevant to the mission of DOE and in the service of the nation's global competitiveness in the field of microelectronics. In carrying out such program, DOE shall award financial assistance to eligible entities, such as national laboratories, to carry out research projects in, among other things, foundational science areas and methods for leveraging artificial intelligence. The Office of Science within DOE shall establish up to four Microelectronics Science Research Centers to conduct mission-driven research to address foundational challenges in the design, development, and fabrication of microelectronics and to facilitate the translation of research results to industry. The Office of Science, in coordination with the Office of Technology Transitions, shall implement partnerships with industry groups to facilitate the translation and transfer of research results produced by the centers.
Sponsors: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by advancements in microelectronics globally
Estimated Size: 50000000
- Microelectronics is a crucial component in many modern technologies, thus advancements in this field can have widespread implications.
- The research and development emphasized in the bill could lead to improved technologies in energy, computing, and electronics.
- Industries related to microelectronics, including computing, communication, and AI, will directly benefit.
- Engineering and technology professionals working in microelectronics will likely gain from innovations and new opportunities.
- Consumers of electronic devices may experience advancements in technology resulting from the research promoted by the bill.
- Energy sectors could be impacted through improved microelectronics technologies designed to enhance energy efficiency and management.
Reasoning
- The policy is focused on microelectronics, which primarily benefits the technology and engineering sectors. Hence, individuals working in these industries will see the most direct impact.
- The policy will support research and development, potentially leading to job creation and innovation, impacting engineers, researchers, and related professionals in microelectronics.
- Some individuals in energy and technology sectors could see indirect benefits due to advancements in microelectronics, such as improved energy efficiency.
- Individuals not directly involved with or benefiting from microelectronics advancements may not experience noticeable changes in their wellbeing.
- Since a significant portion of the electronics industry is based in urban areas, we should consider a diverse range of people from different locations and backgrounds, including those not working directly with microelectronics.
Simulated Interviews
Electronics Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could bring more resources and cutting-edge projects to my job.
- I expect new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Professor of Electrical Engineering (Austin, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This would enhance my research capabilities and attract more talent to the field.
- I anticipate more funding and collaborative opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
AI Research Scientist (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With this policy, we could see immediate improvements in AI processing capabilities.
- This might improve collaboration between AI and hardware teams.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Energy Sector Analyst (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might indirectly improve the energy sector through better electronics.
- It could lead to efficiency gains.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Microelectronics Startup Entrepreneur (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potential for increased R&D collaboration with large institutions.
- Might lead to breakthroughs that benefit startups like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Recent College Graduate (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could mean more job openings in my field.
- I hope to see innovative microelectronics projects I can join.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Project Manager at a National Lab (Pittsburgh, PA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could secure more consistent funding for our projects.
- Could allow expansion of research initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Consumer Electronics Retailer Owner (Houston, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Indirectly, this may lead to more advanced consumer products.
- I may see an increase in demand for newer tech products.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Developer for Tech Giant (Seattle, WA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This might streamline hardware-software integration and open new projects.
- Could enhance product development lifecycle.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Public Policy Advocate (Detroit, MI)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Important to see government's role in advancing tech science.
- Expect to track this for effective implementation and societal benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 3: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 5: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Microelectronics is a critical component of technology evolution and national security.
- The U.S. aims to maintain and enhance its competitiveness in the global microelectronics market.
- Budget allocations must balance between immediate operational costs and long-term strategic investments.
- Coordination between federal and state agencies, as well as private sectors, is essential for successful implementation.