Facing the Future

Column from: Prashant Patel

After selling his chain of drugstores, Prashant decided to go into the family business of printed circuit boards by buying Alpha Circuit. His intent was to make it one of the most advanced high tech printed circuit board fabrication companies in North America. With that in mind, he invested significantly in a completely new high-tech center In Schaumburg, Illinois. In his column, he uses his very unique perspective to discuss the future of the printed circuit board industry both domestically and globally.
Connect:
August 12, 2025

Facing the Future: Challenges and Opportunities in Reshoring PCB Manufacturing

For decades, offshore manufacturing dominated the global electronics industry. The pursuit of cost efficiency, scalability, and access to vast labor markets made countries like China, Taiwan, and Vietnam attractive destinations for printed circuit board (PCB) production. But a seismic shift is underway, from geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions to rising labor costs and national security concerns. 
July 08, 2025

Facing the Future: Time for Real Talk, Early and Often, Between Design and Fabrication

​​​​​​​There has always been a subtle but significant divide between those who design and those who build printed circuit boards. It’s not a hostile gap, but it is a real one, and in today’s high-speed, high-complexity, high-stakes environment, that gap is costing us more than time and yield. It’s costing us innovation.
June 10, 2025

Facing the Future: Investing in R&D to Stay Competitive

In the PCB industry, staying ahead of the competition requires more than production efficiency; it demands continuous innovation, a firm commitment to research and development (R&D), and a proactive approach to emerging technologies. Companies that invest in R&D are better positioned to develop advanced solutions, enhance product reliability, and adapt to the dynamic demands of the electronics industry.
May 13, 2025

Facing the Future: The Role of 5G and Beyond in Shaping PCB Demand

Innovations that push the boundaries of connectivity shape the future of technology, processing power, and miniaturization. 5G and emerging 6G technologies are critical in transforming industries from telecommunications and healthcare to autonomous systems. This affects the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, where demand for high-performance, miniaturized, and advanced PCBs is surging. This column explores the key applications of 5G and beyond, the challenges in designing high-frequency PCBs, the effects of miniaturization, industry collaborations, and opportunities for North American companies in this space.
April 15, 2025

Facing the Future: Successfully Navigating the Uncertain Path Ahead

Throughout my career, I have had pretty good luck with what I call “spending time in the future,” by trying to connect the dots today with what they might be like in the future. In an era of rapid technological advances, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and evolving societal norms, the future remains an exciting yet daunting enigma. As we stand at the precipice of a new era, we must examine the major forces shaping our future and consider how individuals, businesses, and governments can prepare for the transformations ahead.
March 18, 2025

Facing the Future: Technology Trends Shaping the PCB Market

Each year the PCB market brings innovations, challenges, and opportunities that redefine the playing field. To remain competitive, North American PCB shops must adapt to these trends and leverage them to carve out an advantage. I’ll be exploring the technology trends shaping the PCB market and how can help North American manufacturers thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
February 12, 2025

Facing the Future: The Evolution of the North American PCB Industry

To get a clear look at the future, we must take a glimpse at the past. The North American printed circuit board (PCB) industry has transformed dramatically over the years. Once a powerhouse of global manufacturing, it now stands at a crossroads, driven by challenges, innovation, and the relentless pace of technological change. Understanding the history, evolution, and future of the North American PCB market is essential to appreciating its role in the global electronics ecosystem.  
January 07, 2025

Facing the Future: Charting the Path Forward for the American PCB Industry

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Facing the Future, a column dedicated to exploring the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of the printed circuit board (PCB) industry in North America. I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with you, sharing insights, strategies, and bold predictions for the road ahead.
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