In Turbocharging the U.S. Economy (1998) Nathan Associates analyzed the economic contribution and importance of the semiconductor industry to the U.S. economy. Sponsored by the Semiconductor Industry Association, the study reveals that the industry has become the leading manufacturing industry in the country, creating $41.6 billion of value for the U.S. economy in 1996.

Between 1987 and 1996, the industry contributed more to economic growth than any other manufacturing industry. The study explains how semiconductors have benefited both industry and consumers by fueling high-tech industry growth, raising productivity, and slowing inflation.

The study cites industry-specific examples that show how semiconductors have improved products and services, such as transforming the automobile and powering advances in medicine. Turbocharging the U.S. Economy received extensive coverage in the press, including the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.