news-record.com

A hard lesson learned from the demise of the U.S. auto industry is that falling behind in technology can have dire consequences.

High-tech companies like Greensboro's RF Micro Devices, which compete in an increasingly contentious global marketplace, wisely have taken note. Last week, RF Micro signed a deal allowing it to work with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory to develop solar cells out of gallium arsenide.

If the deal pans out, those renewable energy cells could do for cell phone suppliers what the engine starter did for automakers a century ago.

A new generation of cells that efficiently convert sunlight into power has limitless potential. The challenge, however, is first perfecting a new product and then getting it onto the market quickly.

A government-industry partnership like this one may be the best way to do it. In that regard, Rep. Howard Coble, R-6th, said in April he will seek a $6 million congressional earmark in the 2010 federal budget that would expedite RF Micro-government microelectronic semi-conductor research. At the time, Coble noted that honing solar chip technology also could benefit advanced defense systems.

And success in the laboratory can translate into jobs in Greensboro. Although the economic downturn has taken a toll, RF Micro, which makes components for cell phones and other radio frequency products, remains one of the city's major employers, with more than 1,400 workers.

While jobs have been lost here as well as at its facilities elsewhere, company officials have responded quickly to changing market conditions.

By getting a head start in the unfolding renewable energy scene, RF Micro can solidify its position as an industry leader. Doing so could mean bringing back laid-off workers as well as creating welcome new jobs.