electronica 2024 survey: Consumers see high potential for climate protection and sustainability
Digital technologies enable companies to effectively address sustainability goals. Although there are some considerable differences in the acceptance and use of the smart home and smart mobility, consumers in Europe, the U.S., and Asia see similarly high potential for climate protection through digital technologies.
This is the conclusion reached by a representative survey conducted by the world-leading trade fair electronica, which is taking place in Munich on 12-15 November 2024. In July 2024, Merkle Research & Insights surveyed a total of 3,000 people from Germany, France, Italy, the UK, the U.S., and China.
Significant advantages through digitalisation and networking
64% of respondents in Germany, the U.S., and China expect digital solutions to provide affordable and clean energy. Likewise, 64% of Germans see that as an important element for sustainable cities and municipalities; China tops the list with 78%. In China, 89% of respondents are convinced that digitalisation and networking also bring considerable benefits in the private sphere, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and resource consumption. Germany, however, acored the lowest of the five countries surveyed, at only 66%.
“Networking and electrification, for example, through electromobility, undoubtedly fuel the path to a climate-neutral society,” says Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München. “The survey shows that there is still a need for information, which is why we need to discuss how we can get society more enthusiastic about digital solutions. As an international industry get-together, electronica offers the ideal platform for promoting openness to technology.”
Achieving green and digital transformation with innovative technologies
ZVEI, the German Association of the Electronics and Digital Industry, sees the three megatrends of electrification, digitalisation and automation as the key levers 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 huge effective power of the three megatrends,” says ZVEI President Dr. Gunther Kegel. “To accomplish that, it is important for the regulatory requirements to be better attuned than before. Instead of pursuing over-regulation down to the last detail, politicians should create a framework that favors entrepreneurial initiative and trusts technological innovation.”
China: More than one in two already drive cars with alternative drives
The electronica study impressively shows how much more established cars with alternative drives already are in China. While 51 % of respondents there drive electric or hydrogen cars, the figure in Germany is 13%. Only in France (10%) and Italy (9%) is usage even lower. A similar picture emerges with regards to the acceptance of sharing offers for mobility. 67% of Chinese make active use of them, but only 17% of Germans; the lowest figure is in the UK at 9%.
Although there are different degrees of openness to technology depending on the country, respondents in all the countries in the electronica survey agree that electronic developments and digital technologies make their everyday life easier. Compared to everyday life 15 years ago, 59% of Germans tend to see things getting easier. Italy comes out on top with 64%, followed by China in second place with 62%.
All-electric society as the main topic
At electronica, taking place in Munich from November 12 to 15, 2024, the path to the all-electric society will be a focal point through corresponding innovations, application-oriented presentations, and socio-political discussions such as the high-profile CEO Roundtable. The great response to the trade fair also shows just how topical the subject is. For the first time, the exhibitors at electronica 2024 from more than 50 countries will occupy all 18 halls (together with SEMICON Europa taking place in parallel in two halls).
Source: electronica
Caption: The electronica survey 2024 questioned 3,000 respondents on their use of cars with alternative drive systems, multiple answers were possible (Image: electronica).