Lone star rising: How Texas is securing America's technological future

This article has been edited from an op-ed article that was originally published in The Dallas Morning News. 

In a world captivated by the latest smartphone or the newest electric car, it's easy to overlook the tiny marvels that make it all possible: semiconductors. These minuscule chips are the hidden powerhouses of our computing age, powering everything from washing machines to spacecrafts. The pace at which the U.S. makes these chips is about to change, and it's going to reshape America's technological landscape. 

This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for American companies, with Texas poised to play a pivotal role.

The companies that understand these dynamics will thrive in this new era. They'll create the chips that power the next generation of American innovation., thanks in part to the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. This funding gives the U.S. a chance to lead in state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing by creating jobs, spurring innovation and securing our technological future. The U.S. won't just be making chips; it will be creating the building blocks of future technologies, with the most critical foundational chips – invented right here in Texas – leading the way. Essential analog and embedded processing chips form the backbone of our technological future and highlight Texas' role in America's semiconductor resurgence. These chips are essential in nearly every type of electronic device, from cars with advanced safety and intelligence systems to life-saving medical equipment and smart appliances that make homes safer and more efficient.

What's next is even more critical. As we look toward the future, the message is clear: America's technological leadership depends on our ability to not just compete, but to excel across the entire spectrum of semiconductor technologies. The U.S. CHIPS Act and the Texas CHIPS Act funding are complementary initiatives laying a crucial foundation. And this is just the beginning of our journey to bring more state-of-the-art chip manufacturing to the United States. This isn't just about keeping pace; it's about building a more resilient semiconductor supply chain for now and the future. 

The path is in front of us. By taking a balanced approach to investment and development across the entire semiconductor ecosystem -- from manufacturing to research and development in chip design and packaging to initiatives ensuring a STEM-ready workforce -- we can enhance America's technological capabilities.

The investments in Texas are a prime example of how individual states can significantly contribute to the national objective of strengthening the semiconductor industry, fueling the next wave of technology innovation, and expanding STEM educational programs at all levels, from K-12 to postgraduate studies. This will enable the U.S. to cultivate the next generation of semiconductor technicians, engineers and scientists – crucial for sustaining and growing the industry in the long term. The potential ripple effects of these advancements across our economy are significant, touching everything from precision agriculture to smart city infrastructure, which reaches well beyond the industry itself, driving broader economic growth and bolstering national security.

It's crucial that we continue and expand upon the work that has started, both at the federal level and in pioneering states like Texas, to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor landscape, bring to life all the electronics we depend on daily, and enable the innovations of tomorrow. 

The decisions we make today will play a significant role in shaping the United States' position in the future of semiconductor technology. 

Mohammad Yunus leads global technology and manufacturing for Texas Instruments, which designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for sectors such as industrial, automotive, personal electronics, communications equipment and enterprise systems.