Advancing the Semiconductor Workforce: Shifts in Engagement and Influence Across Institutions in a Regional Consortium

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Abstract

The semiconductor sector is one of the leading industries in the United States and requires a skilled workforce. In the [Region] of the United States, a consortium of universities, community colleges, and industry partners has prepared nearly 800 students for semiconductor and adjacent careers. This study examines how the institutional relationships within the consortium have evolved from Fall 2023 to Spring 2025. Using social network analysis, we analyze surveys and participant interviews to examine shifts in institutional engagement and influence over time. Findings show that influence is now distributed across a broader set of institutions, marking a transition from centralized coordination to shared leadership, while overall interaction frequency remains stable. These highlight successful capacity-building strategies for regional semiconductor workforce development.

Authors

• Silvia Jessica Mostacedo Marasovic, University of Texas - Arlington

• Katherine street hoover, University of Texas at Arlington

• Jin Liu, University of Texas - Arlington

• Sindhura Suravarjhula, University of Texas - Arlington

• Cory T. Forbes, University of Texas - Arlington