US Tech Foundation Moving to Switzerland Due to Concerns Over Potential US Restrictions

A U.S. foundation representing organizations in the semiconductor technology sector will move to Switzerland due to concerns over U.S. trade restrictions, according to a Nov. 25 Reuters report. RISC-V Foundation, a nonprofit, said it has not yet faced restrictions but is “concerned about possible geopolitical disruption,” according to Reuters. The move comes as the Commerce Department restricts sales to certain Chinese technology companies and prepares to release proposed restrictions on emerging and foundational technologies. A spokesperson for RISC-V declined to answer questions but referred to a message on the foundation’s website that says the move “has the effect of calming concerns of political disruption to the open collaboration model.” The company stressed that it does not have any commercial interest in the goods that may be restricted and there have “not been any export restrictions on the Foundation in the U.S.” A Commerce Department spokesperson said its export controls are designed to “ensure bad actors cannot acquire technology that harms U.S. citizens or interests, while promoting innovation to fuel continued American technological leadership.” Commerce “meets regularly” with industry members for input, the spokesperson said, including on “technological developments, market conditions and the effects of its regulations.”