Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Move Your Bus'
Driving Innovation: Direct Imaging vs. Conventional Exposure
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Today's Generation of Buyers
From Chips to Systems: Building a Resilient Electronics Manufacturing Base in the EU
July 22, 2024 | Shawn DuBravac, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Electronics are ubiquitous, underpinning everything from personal devices and electric vehicles to wind turbines and industrial systems. These technologies are essential to nearly every aspect of modern life, making a thriving electronics manufacturing sector crucial for the EU's industrial resilience, regional security, and technological advancement. As industries increasingly depend on electronics for innovation, the role of electronics manufacturers as key facilitators of Europe’s digital and environmental transitions increases significantly.
The EU’s Chips Act signifies a strategic commitment to bolstering a key segment of the electronics sector. While semiconductors are crucial, that narrow focus neglects the other essential parts of the broader electronics ecosystem, such as printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication, electronic manufacturing services, and semiconductor packaging. Enhancing these industry segments is vital for developing a robust European electronics manufacturing ecosystem that supports industrial resilience, advances the dual green and digital transitions, and fosters European innovation.
Over the past two decades, the EU’s share of global PCB production has fallen dramatically. In 2000, Europe accounted for 13.8% of global PCB manufacturing; by 2023, this share had dropped to just 2.2%. This decline is set against the backdrop of global PCB production that has more than doubled, indicating a significant erosion of the EU’s competitive position in this critical area. The EU’s dependency on non-EU PCBs across eight strategic sectors is projected to increase from 82.5% in 2023 to 88.9% by 2035 unless decisive strategic responses are implemented.
To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of IPC Community, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
The Global Electronics Association Releases IPC-8911: First-Ever Conductive Yarn Standard for E-Textile Application
07/02/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announces the release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications. This first-of-its-kind global standard establishes a clear framework for classifying, designating, and qualifying conductive yarns—helping to address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing, and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry.
SMT007 Magazine July—What’s Your Competitive Sweet Spot?
07/01/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamAre you in a niche that’s growing or shrinking? Is it time to reassess and refocus? We spotlight companies thriving by redefining or reinforcing their niche—what are their insights? In the July 2025 issue of SMT007 Magazine, we spotlight companies thriving by redefining or reinforcing their niche and offer insights to help you evaluate your own.
TRI Unveils New Multi-Camera AOI, TR7500 SIII Ultra
06/27/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, proudly introduces the new TR7500 SIII Ultra.
NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Shipments Expected to Rise Amid Market Uncertainties
06/24/2025 | TrendForceThe NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 has recently generated significant buzz in the market, with expectations running high for strong shipment performance driven by solid demand.
Green Circuits Boosts Test Capacity with New Takaya APT-1600FD System
06/24/2025 | Green CircuitsGreen Circuits, a full-service Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) partner to leading OEMs, is pleased to announce the purchase of its fourth Takaya APT-1600FD Double-sided Flying Probe Test System.