From the 7th to the 9th May, over a hundred delegates and semiconductor journalists from around the world joined Future Horizons for its 17th Annual International Electronics Forum in Dubai. Arguably the most important global networking and business event in the semiconductor calendar, this year's event was no exception with guest speakers from some of the world's largest electronics firms including NEC, NXP, Philips and STMicroelectronics.
"IEF provides an unmatched opportunity to meet current and past leaders of the electronics industry. " said Malcolm Penn, CEO Future Horizons. "The forum once again has proven itself as an industry catalyst, bringing together the brightest minds from all over the world, from both large and small companies to discuss the current trends and future direction of the global electronics industry. It's invaluable to executives and professionals from the semiconductor, electronics and related industries, especially those at the start of their business ventures."
Focusing on the current evolutionary trends in the global electronics ecosystem, presentations were made by senior executives on topics including "Present and Future Of Digital Technology, Challenges in Introducing 32nm and 22nm Technology Nodes and Applying Nanomanufacturing Technologies beyond the IC."
IEF attracts the key decision makers from the world's leading electronics companies and is the only event that provides the opportunity to interact face to face with those who can influence the development and success of the global electronics industry both now and in the future.
Companies will however remain under pressure to continually reduce size and power consumption of IC's which J.J.Yamaguchi of NEC Electronics felt will push the wireless industry towards further consolidation to reduce R&D costs. On the other hand, Mark Pinto, Applied Materials discussed fascinating forthcoming opportunities for nanotechnology in areas including solar cells, energy storage and LCD's.
As the forum closed, Malcolm Penn presented the company's latest market forecast and industry analysis, maintaining that despite current fears of a market recession the industry is fundamentally "still in good shape".
Future Horizons
