Managing the industry-academic interface

The microelectronics technology program at ASU has been totally restructured over the past three years with substantial industry input. As a result, we have been able to execute a strategy that aligns the capabilities of graduates with the workplace skills required by our supporting companies. Using that benchmark, a modular program has been defined to cover the key features of integrated circuit fabrication technology as well as the organizational and solution management skills needed by any effective practitioner in the industry. Industrial participation has included a very active Advisory Board, senior staff assignment, seminars on specialist topics and company visits. Although this activity has a specialist microelectronics focus, there are many general features that are applicable to all branches of technology.