I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

I cannot remember a time when I haven’t quipped, “We live in interesting times,” but many would agree that has never been truer. As the U.S. grapples with the short-term fallout of DOGE and what it could mean for existing programs, unemployment, and the U.S. domestic economy, in the private sector of electronics manufacturing, we could be facing higher costs from tariffs and potential supply chain disruptions as we hopefully capitalize on new opportunities.

As for global electronics manufacturing, I don’t see much changing. As we often hear, everything is electronics or electronics dependent. The world and its governments will ensure that essential things are built and get done. For those of us who own, run, and work in the businesses that make up this vital sector of the U.S. and global economies, it has long been our reality to constantly reevaluate our business models and strategies, and adjust and grow as required. It has made us smart, strong, and resilient.

Here are the top five must-read items from this past week's electronic manufacturing news and information.

2024 Sustainability Highlights: IPC’s Commitment to a Greener Future
Published February 25

Just three short weeks away from IPC APEX EXPO 2025, the topic of sustainability and circularity (a new term you’ll be hearing a lot more) is on many minds. In the February issue of PCB007 Magazine, Kelly Scanlon, IPC lead sustainability strategist, reviews her team’s accomplishments in 2024 and what’s ahead this year. Here’s a little intel for you: Stay tuned as we launch a podcast around sustainability topics in the coming months with Kelly and guests.

The Resurgence of European PCB Manufacturing: A Strategic Advantage
Published February 20

“The global electronics landscape is undergoing a significant transformation,” says Jordan Labbe of ICAPE as he presents a case for the resurgence of European PCB manufacturing. While acknowledging the shift in European PCB manufacturing showcasing its continuous decline over several decades (16% of global PCB supply in 2000 down to 2.3% in 2022), he cites the case for resurgence due to an overreliance on distant manufacturing hubs, rising transportation costs, looming and significant tariffs and duties, and even currency fluctuations to support his argument supporting new horizons for the European PCB manufacturing sector. Read on.

It's Only Common Sense: Maximizing the Five Stages of Your Trade Show Exhibit
Published February 26

For those of us who have made the significant investment of exhibiting at IPC APEX EXPO in March, Dan Beaulieu’s column covering the ins and outs of getting the most from your exhibit is a must-read. What do you think when you walk by a booth that has salespeople sitting down and scrolling on their phones? Do yourself the favor of this quick read. A reminder never hurts and is often warranted.

Beyond the Board: The Future of Innovation—Why the Electronics Industry Needs You
Published February 25

We are happy to have a new columnist, Jesse Vaughan of Summit Interconnect, in our editorial lineup. In his first column of “Beyond the Board,” Jesse talks about the electronics industry’s vast impact on everything in the modern world and its equally vast array of career paths, as he highlights the benefits of a career in electronics manufacturing and the vital importance of such jobs. His inaugural column is an indicator of good things to come.

Discover the New Podcast Series on Thermal Management—Now Available
Published February 27

Host Nolan Johnson turns up the heat with NCAB field application engineer Ryan Miller in the latest installment of our “On the Line with…” series podcast. Episode 1 focuses on PCB thermal management, a truly hot topic today (pun intended). If you’re not concerned about thermal management in your PCB design and fabrication, are you even actually working in this industry? Definitely give this a listen.