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

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

We are days away from the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. This Jan. 1 will mark not only the end of a year, but also the end of a quarter-century. Doors are closing, while others are opening, and it wasn’t until I collated my must-reads this week that I noticed that a similar theme, though perhaps with more grace than in other current events around the globe.

First up is the final episode of John Johnson’s series on UHDI. If you’re the type of person who reads the last chapter of a book first, definitely start with this episode, then listen to the rest of the series.

Next, the European Parliament passed legislation last week that smooths out the administrative process for EU-related sustainability, as Chris Mitchell elaborates. Then, Kelly Dack draws Robert Pirsig-esque parallels between work-life stress and stresses on board substrates. Asia market watchers will want to read the piece on the Asia market, summarizing two reports on the region published by the TCPA and ITRI; it’s a good read. Finally, long-time M&A columnist, Tom Kastner, talks to former company owners about what life is like after the sale.

Final Episode of I-Connect007’s UHDI Podcast Series Now Available On Demand
Published December 17

Throughout the entire series on UHDI, John Johnson has delivered no-nonsense, down-to-earth insight into the benefits, challenges, and methodology changes required to make UHDI work for you. In this final episode, Johnson clarifies when, where, and why UHDI delivers the greatest value. If you’re the type of person who reads the last chapter of the book before starting from the beginning, then this is the episode for you.

Historic First for Sustainability Reporting in Europe and Beyond
Published December 16

The European Omnibus package on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive was passed in the European Parliament on Dec. 16. The Global Electronics Association’s Chris Mitchell points out that this is significant because “reflects a shift in EU policymaking” and “brings sensible, much-needed administrative relief for both EU and non-EU companies.” Get caught up here.

Target Condition: From Warped to Wonderful—Balancing Your Life, Career, and Your PCBs
Published December 16

The December 2025 issue of DESIGN007 magazine seeks zen-like work-life balance, and columnist Kelly Dack confronts—with humor and wit—what he sees as a constant contributor: stress in our psychology and stress on the board we design. Discover how Dack effectively addresses both stressors.

TPCA Analyzes New Competitive Landscape of PCB Manufacturing in China, Japan, and South Korea
Published December 11

For followers of the market in Asia, you’ll be interested to know that the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) released two reports providing a comprehensive analysis of the industry changes in the three major PCB producing countries in East Asia in 2025. This article insightfully summarizes the current dynamics in Asia, a great read for market watchers.

Punching Out: Former Owners Talk About Life After Selling
Published December 15

What do most owners do after they sell their business? Actually, most show up for work the next day. The transfer of ownership of a company can take time as the new owner learns the business details from the outgoing ownership. But what’s that like for the former owners? Tom Kastner explores that phase of ownership in his insightful column.