Under P.L. 117-167, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has assumed direct control of the National Semiconductor Technology Center. How does shifting oversight of semiconductor research from the nonprofit intermediary NATCAST to NIST affect U.S. coordination with international allies and partners in semiconductor research and development?

Question

Under P.L. 117-167, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has assumed direct control of the National Semiconductor Technology Center. How does shifting oversight of semiconductor research from the nonprofit intermediary NATCAST to NIST affect U.S. coordination with international allies and partners in semiconductor research and development?

Accepted Answer

Natcast had established international semiconductor research partnerships with allied nations (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan) to coordinate next-generation chip R&D and prevent duplicative efforts. When NIST assumed control on August 25, 2025, these bilateral research agreements transferred intact because they operate under broader Commerce Department authorities, not Natcast-specific contracts. NIST already manages international metrology standards through treaties, so foreign research collaboration fits existing frameworks (NIST international programs page; Commerce Dept. statement, Aug. 25, 2025).

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