 Dear IPC Members,
Next week, Anaheim, California, hosts the 2024 IPC APEX EXPO, the largest electronics manufacturing event in North America, as well as the co-located Electronic Circuits World Convention 16. Attendees will have the chance to explore cutting-edge technologies; attend keynote speeches on hot topics such as automation, workforce optimization, and industry trends; and connect in meaningful ways with their peers from across the globe. We invite you to be part of the conversation on social media using the hashtag #IPCAPEXEXPO, and if you haven't already, secure your spot by registering today.
One item you’ll be hearing about next week is IPC’s new white paper on the electronics manufacturing workforce, in which we’ll be proposing a bold new plan to address the workforce challenges of our industry. This white paper will also serve as our "call to action" for IPC member companies to become more engaged in our workforce campaign. So stay tuned for our announcement next week.
In case you missed it last week, be sure to read my commentary in National Defense Magazine, which discusses efforts to revive the U.S. defense electronics base, stressing the need for a broader approach beyond just semiconductor chips.
We hope to see you at IPC APEX EXPO next week. Meanwhile, our team will continue to advocate on behalf of our industry throughout the halls of government. As always, we invite you to reach out with any questions or feedback.
All the best, |
Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations
The Headlines at a Glance:
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
- Join Us for IPC Impact Day and Help Shape Policy for the Electronics Industry
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
- IPC’s John W. Mitchell on the prospect of AI in electronics manufacturing
TECHNOLOGY
- IPC Applauds White House’s Microelectronics Strategy
DEFENSE & NATIONAL SECURITY
- Cautious Optimism on First Anniversary of Biden’s Action on Defense Electronics
- U.S. Defense Spending Deal a Good Result for PCBs and Advanced Packaging
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
- IPC's Collaborative Approach to Advocating for Sustainable Electronics
- IPC Leads Industry Efforts in Navigating Complexities of PFAS Regulations
UPCOMING EVENTS
- IPC APEX EXPO 2024, April 6-11
- IPC Impact Day, May 14-15
- Women Reshaping the Engineering Landscape (Webinar), June 24
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TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
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Join Us for IPC Impact Day and Help Shape Policy for the Electronics Industry: Congress and the Biden Administration are actively shaping policies crucial to our sector, including decisions on FY25 funding for Defense Production Act investments in domestic PCB and advanced packaging; incentives in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for training and certification; and implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act. At this critical juncture, we invite your participation in advocating for our industry's interests. Please join us and help bring the industry's voice to Capitol Hill for IPC Impact Day, next month on May 14 and 15. This event is unique opportunity for you to engage with your elected officials, other policymakers, and industry peers. Attendees will enjoy an opening dinner and networking reception, breakfast with a briefing on the key issues, meetings with Congressional Leadership, lunch featuring a special guest speaker, private Congressional meetings, and a closing happy hour. Register now and secure your place as a leader in electronics industry advocacy. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.
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“We shouldn't be looking at AI as just another trend. Instead, we should look at it as a potential missing puzzle piece in our workforce. With the ability to quickly data-crunch numbers and introduce new levels of automation, AI can streamline processes and boost overall efficiency. Instead of fearing AI, we should be leveraging this technology to innovate, automate, and elevate our work to new heights.”
– Dr. John W. Mitchell, IPC President and CEO, on the opportunities of introducing AI to industries like electronics manufacturing. |
TECHNOLOGY
IPC Applauds White House’s Microelectronics Strategy: Last month, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) unveiled a strategy aimed at catalyzing microelectronics innovation in the United States. Aligned with the bipartisan CHIPS Act, the National Strategy on Microelectronics Research sets forth ambitious objectives for the coming five years. IPC was pleased to see advanced packaging, test, and assembly mentioned, and the emphasis on fostering a supportive ecosystem including materials, substrates, and interconnect technology was on target. IPC’s 2021 report on advanced packaging was also cited as a guiding reference. You can be sure IPC will refer to this strategy often as our advocacy continues, emphasizing a “silicon-to-systems” approach. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.
DEFENSE AND NATIONAL SECURITY
Cautious Optimism on First Anniversary of Biden’s Action on Defense Electronics: As we marked the one-year anniversary last week of U.S. President Joe Biden's “presidential determination” regarding defense electronics, IPC had mixed views. On the one hand, the recently approved funding for Department of Defense purchases under the Defense Production Act (DPA) exceeded expectations, due in part to IPC's advocacy work (See next item) On the other hand, the U.S. defense community still lacks a "silicon-to-systems" strategy to strengthen the broader electronics manufacturing ecosystem. Looking forward, our optimism is tempered by uncertainty, particularly as the Administration's FY25 budget proposal lacks earmarks for PCBs, advanced packaging, or IC substrates, and it would actually cut the DPA account. IPC remains committed to advocacy efforts to prevent stalled momentum and ensure continued progress. Read more on the IPC blog. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.
U.S. Defense Spending Deal a Good Result for PCBs and Advanced Packaging: In a win for the electronics manufacturing industry, the fiscal 2024 spending deal enacted in late March by Congress and signed by President Biden includes $587.9 million for Defense Production Act (DPA) purchases, including purchases called for under President Biden’s 2023 Presidential Determination which names domestic printed circuit boards (PCBs) manufacturing as essential to U.S. national security. These funds had been on the chopping block, and IPC swung into action to defend them throughout the budget negotiation process. As a result, the funding provided for DPA purchases is $156 million more than the low end of the negotiation, and an explanatory statement says, “The Secretary of Defense is encouraged to prioritize Defense Production Act investments in support of domestic printed circuit board fabrication.” IPC now calls on the Pentagon to proceed with allocating the full $85 million it had budgeted for PCBs and advanced packaging in FY24. Meanwhile, there is no time to rest; IPC now must turn to the even bigger challenge of ensuring that funding for the electronics ecosystem continues in FY25. The administration’s recent FY25 budget proposal contains a 33% reduction for the Defense Production Act below the FY24 anticipated funding level. Even more troubling, no additional funds are requested for PCB and advanced packaging beyond those approved in FY23 and FY24. Unless this is corrected, it could result in stalled momentum in 2025 and beyond. IPC Contact: Rich Cappetto.
ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
IPC's Collaborative Approach to Advocating for Sustainable Electronics: The call for sustainability in the electronics industry reverberates globally, marking a pivotal moment in our history. With a commitment to fostering change, IPC is actively engaged in empowering manufacturers to navigate this transformative journey. Through industry standards, workforce training, certification programs, and advocacy efforts, IPC champions a collaborative approach to address sustainability challenges head-on. As Dr. John W. Mitchell, president and CEO of IPC, underscores in the latest issue of PCB007 Magazine, the industry's future hinges on concerted efforts to build electronics sustainably, embracing conscientious lifecycle management and resource efficiency. IPC will continue to facilitate dialogue and innovation to shape a more sustainable future for all. Read more in PCB007 Magazine. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
IPC Leads Industry Efforts in Navigating Complexities of PFAS Regulations: In the ongoing dialogue surrounding environmental sustainability and industry regulations, the treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has emerged as a critical focus area. Dr. Kelly Scanlon, lead sustainability strategist at IPC, sheds light on the complexities of PFAS and the advocacy efforts surrounding them in the latest issue of PCB007 Magazine. With over 10,000 PFAS chemistries complicating the task of setting definitions and regulations, IPC has been actively engaged in policy actions both in the U.S. and the EU for several years. From responding to proposed restrictions under the REACH Regulation to facilitating educational events and webinars, IPC continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at fostering a common understanding of PFAS regulation. Read more in PCB007 Magazine. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Anaheim, Calif., April 6-11. The largest electronics manufacturing event in North America, APEX features the newest innovations and the best minds in the industry. APEX 2024 will also host the Electronic Circuits World Convention 16, an international PCB symposium held every three years, featuring the latest information on global PCB demand, PCB manufacturing processes, and promoting the domestic PCB industry in every country and every region. Register today!
IPC Impact Day: Washington, D.C., May 14-15: Join us for IPC Impact Day to shape policy for the electronics industry. Engage with elected officials, policymakers, and industry peers during this unique event, featuring networking receptions, key issue briefings, meetings with Congressional Leadership, a special guest speaker luncheon, and much more. Register today!
Bold Breakthroughs: Women Reshaping the Engineering Landscape (Webinar): June 24, 10:00-11:00 am EDT. Join IPC for this special virtual event in celebration of International Women in Engineering Day. This event will shine a spotlight on the incredible women in the electronics industry who are breaking barriers, making bold breakthroughs, and paving the way for future generations. Led by IPC’s Teresa Rowe, Senior Director of Assembly & Standards Technology, panelists include nine extraordinary women from nine different countries. Register today for FREE!
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Join us on April 9, as we open the largest show floor for electronics manufacturing in North America at IPC APEX EXPO 2024! From the ribbon-cutting to poster presenters, the Ice Cream Social, and the welcome reception, we can't wait to see you there. Let's come together to Build Electronics Better! |
The U.S. is increasingly arming its warfighters with inferior military technologies because it cannot domestically produce the most advanced printed circuit boards to accommodate the most cutting-edge semiconductor chips. Without greater investment in domestic PCB capabilities, the disparity between U.S. semiconductor leadership and electronics manufacturing vulnerabilities will grow. |
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US
Meet the IPC GR Team: Whether it is engaging with policymakers in the Americas, the European Union, or Asia, the IPC Government Relations (GR) Team proactively seeks opportunities to educate, inform and influence policymakers on policies that spur innovation, growth and competition, while protecting human health and the environment. But our success depends on your support and engagement. Learn more and get involved in IPC advocacy today! IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
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