Semiconductors serve as the fundamental building blocks of all modern electronics, and our cars, phones, laptops and beyond could not function without them. But advancing this technology to secure America’s future will require a workforce that is fully trained, equipped, and prepared to meet increasing demands and drive innovation forward. In 2021, Purdue University launched CSME—an unprecedented global partnership of academia, government, and industry—to address critical areas in the microelectronics industry through research, education, and workforce development. In this thought-provoking panel, we’ll examine how collaboration among these sectors is elevating the semiconductor ecosystem, ensuring a secure supply of these crucial technologies and a thriving workforce behind them.