A global computer chip shortage has made it harder for consumers to get their hands on cars, computers and other modern-day necessities, so Congress is looking to boost chip manufacturing and research in the United States with billions of dollars from the federal government. AP File Photo

Jenny Kane

Two bills aimed to boost America and the Great Lakes region’s economy are to be negotiated in the coming weeks and months by leaders of the U.S. House and Senate to enhance research and innovation in manufacturing through the America COMPETES and USICA legislation.

“Right now, the house version is called the COMPETES Act and the Senate version is called USICA,” said Matt Smith, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce president. “The House has their conference committee members and so does the Senate. Right now, they are trying to resolve any differences between those two pieces of legislation.”

The America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act of 2022 (COMPETES) and the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) will help the region compete on a global playing field in microchips, robotics and autonomous vehicles, according to Smith.

“When you look at those, there will be countries globally and markets domestically that are at the forefront of those industries,” Smith said. “We think it's really critical in the United States to be at that forefront."

According to TEConomy Partners, a global leader in research, analysis and strategy for innovation-driven economic development, a conservative estimate of the Pittsburgh region’s autonomous systems industry, which includes Butler County, today involves 71 companies and 6,300 jobs, which generates significant economic impacts.

TEConomy Partners also says that these direct jobs support more than 8,600 additional jobs through indirect efforts for a total economic impact of over 14,000 jobs.

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