When you think about building fabs in the US they take longer to build. They're also smaller and they're costlier. So when you combine each of these facts it makes the task a lot more challenging. We don't know exactly how long it's going to take this is the first time companies are going to build out a leading edge fab in the US. It could take anywhere between two to three years here.
Big-money legislation to bring microprocessor manufacturing to the country is off to a reasonable start—but dominance of the industry is and will probably remain distant. Britain was once a leading light when it came to international aid; we ask why that reputation is now in tatters (tk:tk). And exploring all the funny noises coming from electric vehicles (tk:tk).
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer