This is the conclusion reached by a representative survey of the world's leading electronics trade fair, which takes place in Munich from November 12 to 15, 2024. In July 2024, Merkle Research & Insights surveyed a total of 3,000 people from Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China.
Significant advantages thanks to digitalization and networking:
64% of respondents in Germany, the US, and China expect digital solutions to provide affordable and clean energy. Similarly, 64% of Germans consider it an important element for sustainable cities and municipalities; China leads the list with 78%. In China, 89% of respondents are convinced that digitalization and networking also offer considerable advantages in the private sector. Germany, however, scored lowest among the five countries surveyed. Only 66% of Germans agree that smart homes help make their own homes more energy-efficient and consume fewer resources.
“Networking and electrification, for example through electromobility, are undoubtedly driving the path towards a climate-neutral society,” says Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Managing Director of Messe München.
“The survey shows that there is still a need for information, so we need to discuss how we can get society more enthusiastic about digital solutions. As an international industry event, electronica offers the ideal platform to promote openness to technology.”
Achieving the Green and Digital Transformation with Innovative Technologies:
ZVEI, the German Association of the Electronic and Digital Industry, believes that the three megatrends of electrification, digitalization, and automation are the key drivers in the transition to a climate-neutral industrial society. “The green and digital transformation that Europe and Germany are striving for can only be achieved if we consistently apply the enormous power of these three megatrends,” says Dr. Gunther Kegel, President of ZVEI. “To achieve this, it is important that regulatory requirements are better aligned than before. Instead of pursuing over-regulation down to the last detail, policymakers should create a framework that fosters entrepreneurship and relies on technological innovation.”
China: More than one in two already drive cars with alternative propulsion systems.
The electronics study impressively demonstrates how deeply ingrained alternative propulsion systems have become in China.
While 51% of respondents there drive electric or hydrogen cars, the figure in Germany is only 13%. Usage is even lower in France (10%) and Italy (9%).
A similar trend is observed with the acceptance of shared mobility services.
67% of Chinese people actively use them, compared to only 17% of Germans; the lowest figure is in the UK, at 9%.
Although there are varying degrees of openness to technology depending on the country, respondents from all countries in the electronics study agree that electronic advances and digital technologies make their daily lives easier. Compared to daily life 15 years ago, 59% of Germans feel that things are getting easier. Italy leads the way with 64%, followed by China in second place with 62%.
The All-Electric Society as the Main Theme
. At electronica, taking place in Munich from November 12 to 15, 2024, the path to the All-Electric Society will be the central theme, explored through relevant innovations, application-oriented presentations, and socio-political discussions such as the senior CEO roundtable. The trade fair's strong reception also demonstrates the topic's relevance. For the first time, exhibitors at electronica 2024, from more than 50 countries, will occupy all 18 halls (together with SEMICON Europe, which will be held concurrently in two halls).
