It’s Only Common Sense: Customers Need Confidence More Than Low Prices
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Revisiting 'The Popcorn Report'
Why do so many students who begin college intending to pursue STEM careers ultimately change direction? According to research highlighted by Malcolm Gladwell, the answer often has less to do with ability than perseverance. Many aspiring scientists and engineers discover that success in technical fields requires more than intelligence; it demands resilience, confidence, and a willingness to keep going when the material becomes difficult.
That's a lesson our industry understands well. Nobody becomes a skilled PCB designer, process engineer, or fabricator overnight. Expertise is built through trial and error, continuous learning, and the determination to push through challenges that can sometimes feel overwhelming. The people who succeed are often not the ones who find the work easiest, but the ones who refuse to quit when it gets hard.
That spirit of continuous learning is reflected in my must-reads for the week, from major industry investments and policy developments to conferences, publications, and tools designed to help engineers improve their craft. Be sure to read the June issues of I-Connect007 Magazine and the Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest, which both published this week. They serve as a reminder that innovation depends not only on technology, but also on the people willing to keep learning and growing throughout their careers.
Elementary, Mr. Watson: PCB Education in the Midst of the Storms
Published June 18
Columnist John Watson teaches PCB design at Palomar College and see what’s happening with design education first-hand. He argues that education and workforce development become even more important during times of uncertainty. As the electronics industry faces economic and technological challenges, investing in training, mentorship, and professional growth will help ensure that the next generation of PCB professionals is prepared to lead the industry forward.
The European PCB and Electronics Industries Score a Major Win in Chips 2.0 Milestone
Published June 16
Europe's electronics sector received a boost this week as policymakers advanced the next phase of the Chips Act initiative. Alison James and her European team at the Global Electronics Association have been working diligently with the European Union to understand the important role of hardware in the electronics ecosystem. In this interview, Alison explains why this recognition matters so much.
Principal Mineral Announces Acquisition of Isola and $280 Million in New Funding
Published June 16
One of the biggest materials stories of the year took shape this week as Principal Mineral announced its acquisition of laminate manufacturer Isola, backed by $280 million in new funding. The move signals continued investment in advanced materials and could reshape the competitive landscape as demand grows for high-performance solutions in aerospace, defense, AI, and other emerging applications.
EIPC Summer Conference 2026: AI, Robots, and Historic Vilnius, Lithuania
Published June 15
Marcy LaRont reports on the sold-out EIPC Summer Conference, where the theme of AI, automation, and digital technologies in manufacturing was front and center. Marcy reports on the conference, and spoke with several presenters about the work they’re doing in this realm. She also toured TLT PCB's new facility in Vilnius, one of the most significant PCB manufacturing investments in Europe in decades. Marcy always brings a fresh approach to everything she writes about.
The PCB Designer's Blind Spot: No Feedback, No Progress
Published June 17
PCB designers often submit manufacturing files without ever learning what corrections fabricators make behind the scenes. Stephan Schmidt of Pentalogix argues that independent CAM validation tools can help designers identify manufacturability issues before release, creating a stronger feedback loop that improves design quality, yields, and long-term professional development.
