Now that we're so much more advanced it's hard to imagine how something like this could apply or work again. Google bankrolling some runs of 130nm chips is one of the rare few examples we have, of accessible means to re-learning how to make chips. But whatever it takes, I feel like the US must create not just chipmaking capabilities, but conditions for talent to arise & develop & grow; we must re-create the Silicon Foundry. We've got to put these capabilities into the hands of our people, people of all kinds.
My ideal bill includes provisions that these fabs have to provide some runs to small to entities/schools, and has to have like 1/3rd or 1/2 their output be open to whomever. If the goal is only to make more chips, the US is not going to create a sustainable chipmaking pipeline. It won't develop the talent & knowledge that is essential to being a capable, competent power at chipmaking.
Morris Chang, founder of TSMC, outlined four advantages Taiwan has. Talent was the top[1]. Taiwan is a country rich chipmaking knowledge, there's seemingly no pool of talent like it. The US can't simply fund our way through this problem, can't create effective competition just by throwing money at companies: we need to create the conditions for ongoing success. We need to create our own talent. Open fabs are needed to allow new companies & talents to grow. Giving students & learners access to chipmaking is required to create the lifelong dedication & pursuits that great great yields. Currently there is little access to the means to personal success in chipmaking, and the US needs to change that, if it want's to turn things around.
[1] https://interconnected.blog/morris-chang-global-semiconducto...