RISC-V group says restrictions on open technology would slow innovation

RISC-V International, the nonprofit foundation overseeing the open-source technology RISC-V, has voiced concerns about potential government restrictions that could hinder the development of new and improved chips. The organization’s CEO, Calista Redmond, emphasized that such restrictions would not only impede technological advancements but also have a negative impact on the global technology industry as a whole.

Last week, Reuters reported that a group of U.S. lawmakers is urging the Biden administration to impose export control restrictions on RISC-V due to national security concerns. While major U.S. companies like Qualcomm and Google have embraced RISC-V, Chinese firms such as Huawei Technologies have also adopted the technology. This has raised concerns among lawmakers, leading to calls for export controls.

In response to these concerns, Redmond published a blog post highlighting the importance of open technology standards like RISC-V. She compared RISC-V to other standards such as Ethernet, which facilitates communication between computers on the internet. Redmond argued that restricting open standards would limit access to global markets and result in duplicated efforts and incompatible solutions.

Redmond emphasized that RISC-V has received contributions from various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The foundation’s published standards do not provide a complete blueprint for chip manufacturing, nor do they offer any proprietary information. Redmond clarified that the key difference lies in the fact that RISC-V allows the marketplace to utilize these standards without requiring proprietary licenses from a controlling company. This accessibility to open standards enables companies to innovate more rapidly and focus on creating unique and differentiated products.

The positive adoption of RISC-V by major players in the technology industry, including Qualcomm and Google, showcases the potential of this open-source technology. By embracing RISC-V, these companies are demonstrating their commitment to innovation and collaboration. The widespread adoption of RISC-V also highlights its versatility, as it can be utilized in various applications such as smartphone chips and artificial intelligence.

As the global technology industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to maintain an open and collaborative approach to standards. RISC-V International’s call to avoid restrictions on open standards aligns with the goal of fostering innovation and driving technological advancements. By allowing companies to leverage open standards, the industry can focus on creating groundbreaking products rather than reinventing the wheel.

In conclusion, RISC-V International’s CEO, Calista Redmond, has expressed concerns about potential government restrictions on the open-source technology. Redmond emphasized the importance of open standards and highlighted the positive adoption of RISC-V by major technology companies. By avoiding restrictions on open standards, the global technology industry can continue to thrive and drive innovation forward.