HERNDON, VA — Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Science, State, Justice and Commerce, will deliver the opening remarks at iNEMI's Leadership Forum next month. The forum is intended to launch a coordinated initiative that will stimulate innovation and manufacturing research in electronics.   

The forum, cosponsored by the Electronic Industries Alliance and the Semiconductor Industry Association, is scheduled for Sept. 15-16 in Herndon.

The objective is to create a research and development vision that will help focus limited R&D resources to ensure development of the innovative technologies required to maintain the growth of the electronics industry over the next decade.
 
“America’s dominance in science and innovation is slipping, and this should be a serious concern for every American, not just the scientists and researchers. It has serious implications for our economy and our national security. Too much is at stake for us to lose our competitive advantage,” said Wolf. “I applaud this effort by the electronics manufacturing sector to bring together so many of its key leaders to tackle this issue and work toward a solution.” 
 
A cross-section of electronics and emerging industries are expected to participate in the forum.  Keynote speaker Brian Halla, chairman and CEO of National Semiconductor and chairman of the SIA board of directors, will discuss innovation vision and the challenges facing the U.S. high-tech industry. Other confirmed speakers include Dave Wohleen, vice chairman, Delphi Electronics; Curtis Tearte, general manager of IBM’s Systems and Technology Group; Justin Ratter, Intel senior fellow and director of Intel’s Corporate Technology Group; Mary Good, CEO of ASTRA and former Under Secretary of Commerce; Linda Katehi, dean of engineering, Purdue University; Mike Roco, chair of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, NSF; Uma Chowdhry, vice president, Central Research and Development, DuPont; and Marc Madou, Chancellor’s Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, UC Irvine.
 
For details, visit inemi.org/cms/calendar/iNEMI_innovation_forum.html.