Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1519075
34 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2024 through the PCBMC, is, I believe, the fast- est, most efficient way to ramp up production capacity, bring all those elements along with it, and then distribute that knowledge base to industry. Do you see this effort as informing or strengthening the relationship between government and business? A nonprofit PPP would be a great structure to accomplish what we are working to achieve. I've been very happy with the level of gov- ernment support for this project, and equally surprised by the level of understanding of the challenges and even the technologies involved. is is a very different government landscape from 20 or 25 years ago when there was a gen- eral lack of understanding of electronics. at understanding is still a bit weighted on the silicon/chips side, but now there is a very strong level of awareness and understanding to address everything in that technology stack, from silicon to systems, and not just solve one or two elements within that stack. How will industry members learn more as this project builds and develops? Public information about this project will come from the Manufacturing Capability Expan- sion and Investment Prioritization Director- ate within the Department of Defense. As soon as it is feasible, they will provide the industry with updates. Joe, we are excited to watch this initiative unfold. Do you have any closing thoughts? It won't be a matter of just a year or two for the U.S. to catch up with our colleagues over- seas. As we move forward, we will begin to define what "catching up" looks like for us. But I believe we won't just catch up; we'll return to a leadership position in technology. The next-generation AI and other foun- dational elements will apply, whether mSAP, UHDI, or something else. We need to get the foundational data science and industrial auto- mation elements proliferated throughout the industry, so we're positioned to make that next technological leap when it comes. That is a great sentiment to end on. Thank you, Joe, for all your work on behalf of the U.S. industry. Thank you, Marcy. We will stay in touch. PCB007