The power of collaboration: How the OE-A was born
Wolfgang Mildner highlights the OE-A’s role in fostering collaboration within the printed flexible electronics industry, bringing together diverse stakeholders to drive innovation and overcome challenges.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, printed flexible electronics stand out as a remarkable example of an emerging field with huge potential for manifold applications. This innovation allows for the integration of new materials with existing mass production technologies to create products for both current and future markets. The vision behind this technology has always been ambitious: to harness the power of flexible electronics to revolutionise industries and open up new opportunities. However, turning this vision into reality required more than just innovative ideas. It required collaboration on an unprecedented scale. Thus, the Organic and Printed Electronics Association (OE-A) was born, an association that exemplifies the power of collaboration to drive technological progress. The 20th anniversary of the OE-A is a great opportunity to focus on the motivation behind its creation and the key cornerstones that have contributed to its development.
The vision of printed flexible electronics
The concept of printed flexible electronics is inherently multidisciplinary, requiring the convergence of materials science, engineering and manufacturing. The potential applications of this technology are vast, ranging from flexible displays and wearable electronics to smart packaging and medical devices. However, unlocking this potential has required a coordinated effort to bring together different stakeholders across the value chain.
From the outset, our goal was clear: by combining new materials with existing volume manufacturing, we could create innovative products for both established and emerging markets. But the road to achieving this vision was far from straightforward. It required the integration of multiple disciplines, industries and companies, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. It was not something that any single company or organisation could achieve alone. The challenge was too complex, the expertise required too diverse and the risks too high.
The need for a collaborative ecosystem
Early in the development of printed electronics, a few pioneering companies, both small and large, recognised the need to build a comprehensive value chain and ecosystem. These companies understood that no single organisation could master every aspect of the technology in-house. Success would depend on a collaborative approach that leveraged the strengths of different players in the industry.
Key components of this ecosystem included material suppliers, equipment manufacturers and product companies. Each had a critical role to play in the development of printed flexible electronics. Materials companies focused on developing the advanced materials needed for flexible circuits, displays and sensors. Equipment manufacturers focused on developing the tools and machinery needed for large-scale production, while product companies explored how to integrate these new technologies into marketable products.
But working together in such a competitive environment posed significant challenges. With everything new, from materials and manufacturing processes to potential applications, companies needed to compare options, make informed choices and share insights. Research institutions took the first steps, laying the groundwork for what was to come. But it quickly became clear that building a thriving ecosystem required more than research; it required a new model of collaboration.
The solution to these challenges was the creation of the OE-A, a global network bringing together companies and organisations involved in printed electronics. The OE-A was born out of a shared understanding that transparency, information sharing and collaboration are critical to the success of this emerging technology.
By providing a platform for open dialogue, the OE-A enabled members to exchange ideas, share knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences. This collaborative environment was essential for identifying synergies and potential partnerships.
In addition, the OE-A developed tools to enhance collaboration between members. A key tool was the Competence Matrix, a resource that helped companies identify potential partners based on their expertise and capabilities. This transparency was crucial in helping companies navigate the complex landscape of printed electronics and find the right partners to work with on projects.
The association model adopted by the OE-A also underlined the importance of open innovation. In a competitive environment, companies often guard their intellectual property closely. However, the OE-A demonstrated that sharing enough information to stimulate collaboration can lead to mutual benefits and drive the entire industry forward. By fostering an environment of trust and cooperation, the OE-A helped its members overcome the barriers to innovation that often arise in insular, competitive environments.
The OE-A’s impact on the industry
Since its inception, the OE-A has played a pivotal role in the advancement of printed flexible electronics. The association has grown to include hundreds of member companies and institutes from around the world, each contributing to the development of this exciting technology. Through its various initiatives, the OE-A has helped to accelerate the commercialisation of printed electronics. One of the key initiatives has been the organisation of product and technology showcases. Working with Messe Munich has made LOPEC the world’s largest international event dedicated to flexible and printed electronics and the annual meeting place for industry and research to showcase advances and focus on the most active application areas. Through its outreach and education efforts, the association has helped to position printed electronics as a key technology for the future, attracting investment, talent and interest from a wide range of industries.
People are driving the development
Looking back, it’s clear that the progress has been both sensible and well thought out. We must recognise that this success is the result of teamwork and the commitment of many individuals. Some have been fully committed in full-time roles, while others have contributed on a part-time basis as volunteers. All were united by a shared vision of developing a new market and creating new business opportunities. Thank you to the OE-A office - Dr Klaus Hecker and the entire team, the OE-A Board - Chairs, Vice Chairs and Board members, the OE-A Working Group’s spokespersons and of course all OE-A members.
The story of the OE-A is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving technological innovation. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders and fostering an environment of open innovation and transparency, the OE-A has played a critical role in the development of printed flexible electronics. The association’s success demonstrates that in today’s complex and rapidly changing technology landscape, collaboration is not just an option. It is the key.
As emerging technologies continue to reshape industries and create new opportunities, the model pioneered by the OE-A serves as an inspiration for other sectors. The lesson is clear: when companies, organisations and individuals come together to share knowledge, pool resources and work towards common goals, they can achieve far more than they could on their own. The OE-A’s 20-year journey proves that collaboration is not just about surviving in a competitive market - it is about thriving and driving the future of technology forward.
Author: Wolfgang Mildner
Caption 1: The author Wolfgang Mildner is owner of MSWtech in Nuremberg, Germany, fellow of the OE-A and General Chair of LOPEC.
Caption 2: Always a highlight for the printed electronics community: the award show at LOPEC in Munich. (Image source: LOPEC/Messe München)