Digital age in its infancy, says World Electronics Forum

NETANYA, Israel — The electronics industry faces a bright future, according to Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Association and secretary of the World Electronics Forum. Shapiro spoke at the World Electronics Forum (WEF) that gathered in Tel-Aviv, Israel. The forum hosted 40 delegates from 16 countries. They discussed issues like green electronics, recycling, free trade, standards, telecommunications, and energy consumption.

"The main trends in the industry include big developments in the areas digitalization, convergence, broadband, biometrics and nanotechnology," Shapiro said in a press conference last week. "We are only in the infancy of the digital age."

According to Shapiro, The electronics industry fuels a big change and transformation in fields such as cable and satellite TV and content. "This industry makes the world a smaller place, and its jobs change lives, through teleworking and other practices. The consumption of electronics in the US is around $150 billion. The average American home has 25 electronic devices."

Shapiro estimated that every country will eventually move to digital TV. "This move is very important, as analog TV uses a lot of spectrum compared to digital TV, and the move will free up a lot of spectrum, in a way that will contribute to future developments."

Shapiro admitted that China is the world’s manufacturer, but warned that "we should not put all the eggs in one basket."

Regarding the WEF, Shapiro said: "There are common problems like green electronics, the move to digital TV and the penetration of new technologies to developing countries. In these issues, the WEF helps educate governments, and help them not to make mistakes in their decisions. Specifically, we help governments understand the value of free trade. The event in Tel Aviv is WEF’s biggest and most successful event."